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VICTOR: 

A MORAL DRAMA, ENDING WITH A TRAGEDY. 



ILLUSTRATING 



The Triumphs of Character over 
Teiyvptations. 

In Five Acts and Thirteen Tableaux. 



Designed for Parlor Recitation^ Tableaux^ 



PUBLIC DRAMATIC REPRESENTATION. 



By B. a. ULRIG^L 



CHICAGO : 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

1878. 



1, aT^ 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1878, 

By B, a. Ulkich, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Wasoington,. 



TMP96-006810 



PRE FA CE. 



The moral drama nerein represented may contain too 
much of a theatrical nature to meet the tastes of those who 
seek for literature purely religious, and it may include in the 
dialogues too large an amount of Christian sentiment to 
really please the true lovers of the drama ; hence, I am un- 
certain as to its reception. I see no reason, however, why a 
play cannot be produced illustrating the superiority of 
Christian principles, as well as a novel, and religious novels 
are as numerous as the stars in heaven. On the other hand, 
I cannot comprehend why those who patronize the drama 
should object to the representation of the higher Christian 
character in a play, or to a plot demonstrating in its conclu- 
sion the victory of virtue over vice. To suit both of these 
adverse elements I have endeavored to combine the good, the 
true, the beautiful and the spiritual with the attractive, the 
entertaining and the dramatic. I have brought into 
prominence characters of the highest religious nature, and 
in vivid contrast with them, presented the most vicious. 
My scenes are located at familiar places at home, and on 
shipboard on the Atlantic, and in Paris, Ems, a German for- 
est and Heidelberg in Europe. 

I do not expect to inaugurate a new era in the modern 
drama, or reconcile the views of the opponents and the 
advocates of the theater. Having a high appreciation for 



Gra?id Tableau, repi-escnting Prologue in 
Heaven. 

SCENE— A brilliant starlight night. The back of scene is 
light blue, and concave, upon which are Bhown different 
constellations ; the most distinct is Taurus with the Pleiades. 
The floor of stage represents a tea of glass, upon which is 
located a throne, its four feet resting on tour globes of 
lighted transparent glass, with globe of same for footstool. 
The back of throne is formed of half-circles of globes of light, 
or stars, one circle within another. The throne is formed of 
glass, and studded with brilliant gems. At foot of throne, 
through a ridge in glass, runs a sparkling stream of M-ater. 
A mist and a sweetly-scented atmosphere surround the 
throne, and partially envelop personage occupying same. 
A rainbow encircles all. On both sides are steps leading to 
throne, on which in circles, stand figures representing an- 
gels, whose forms are made to shine by mea' s of brilliant 
lights. All have golden harps in their hands and crowns of 
gold on their heads. All drapery white and gold. Raphael 
brightest among tha angels. 

THE LORD, RAPHAEL, CHORUS OF ANGELS. 

The Lord — Hail ! beings of eternal light and love, 
Who chvell e'er blest within these realms above; 
Assemble ye about Jehovah's throne. 
Whose Avill throughout all worlds is law alone ! 
And let him, chosen by that changeless Will, 
A mission to the distant Earth fulfill; 
There guide to truth a young, immortal soul. 
From Earth's dark glooms to Heaven's eternal goal. 
There, far below these mansions in the skies, 
A soul is born, who may at length arise 
To these bright courts of endless peace and light. 
Where comes no trouble, nor.the shades of night, 
Where inharmonious sounds are never known — 
Where nothing mars the glories of God's throne — 
Whence great Jehovah speaks His wise commands — 
Surrounding which the glorious rainbow stands. 
And thunders roll afar, and lightnings play, 
And nature's wonders blend in bright array. 
Raphael, the true, it seemeth best to ask 
To take this mission, and perform the task. 
The banner of the cross on high unfurl — 
Throw open wide the heav'nly gates of pearl — 
So he can swift descend through boundless space. 
Bearer to Earth of God's eternal grace. 



Chorus of Angels — 

Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Amen ! 

Glory to God for salvation of men ! 

Honor and power forever belong 

To Christ, their Redeemer, life of our song. 

Sing praises ! sing praises to God above ! 
Who sent forth "The Son" through infinite love, 
To teach, to plead, and to die for mankind, 
Who e'er through these gates an entrance can find 

Raphael — Your golden harps awake, bright angel 

choir. 
Let heavenly music now our souls inspire ; 
Let fond remembrances our love recall. 
As gathered 'round this central point of all. 
Though absent on my mission far away, 
My thoughts with you shall here the meanwhile stay. 
No painful partings we anticipate. 
On adverse fortune never meditate. 
Swift, from bright Alcyon, I'll wing my flight ; 
The Pleiads will diminish in my sight ; 
Within the north, like blazing stars, they'll shine 
Forth flashing glories of the Power Divine ; 
While in the south there beams with grand display 
Majestic Sun that gives to Earth its day; 
The planets all in orbits vast he lights, 
As well as their dark circling satellites. 

[Raphael starts forth^ and choir of angels sing 
'^ Hallelujah^'''' etc.] 



Grand Tad/eau, representing Prologue in 
Hell. 

SCENE— The background of scene concave, the same as 
first tableau. Constellation Scorpion in place of Taurus. 
The canopy dark instead of blue ; and gloomy darkness is 
spread over all the scene. Dark spectral shadows move to 
and fro. ApoUyon's throne enveloped in dark clouds and 
rests on Scorpion's heads; a sulphurous smell issues from it, 
and a huge, dark figure with lustrous eyes appears seated in 



it. He rests one foot on dark globe. The floor of stage 
blacL. L>ark angels, enveloped iu black clouds, assemble at 
call of Apollyon. 

APOLLYON, MAMMON, AND EVIL SPIRITS. 

Apollyon — Angels of darkness, ye who God pro- 
fane— 
"Who wander hopeless through my vast domain, 
E'er haunted by the phantoms of the past — 
The sins which Earth about your souls has cast — 
Haste and assemble 'round my lofty throne, 
And hear my will, that governs here alone : 
This day upon the Earth, 'twixt Heav'n and Hell, 
Where once ye dwelt, and ever served me well, 
A man — an intellect — has just been born 
Whose service on the Earth we should not scorn, 
Whose power ere long may move the minds of men. 
And he may aid us oft with ready pen. 
Him in the charge of one of you I'll give. 
There to be taught, while he on Earth shall live; 
And if ye fail my sovereign will to do. 
My subtile wiles shall find their way into 
His human heart, o'ervvhelming him with woe 
And all his hopes forever overthrow. 
Thou spirit of that deep scholastic sage, 
Who left to man a treach'rous heritage 
Of wit and wisdom that no good forebode. 
And strove to scatter flowers along the road, 
At my behest, that e'er doth lead to me. 
Or thou, despised on Earth, who didst agree 
For thirty pieces of their silver coin 
The cruel enemies of Christ to join. 
And Him betrayed with kiss, on bending knee. 
So I could bind Him for the bloody tree 
And vanquish Him, who once o'ercame my host — 
In heaven's high court when I it s glories lost. 
His spirit still on Earth directs mankind — 
My kingdom there to hold 'tis hard, I find. 
Come one, by choice of all, and haste away 
Upon this mission, and my will obey. 

First Evil Spirit — I'll haste away and bring this 
soul to Hell 
With us in torment here fore'er to dwell. 
Lost ! lost fore'er, forever lost are we ! 
Peace, joy and Heaven we shall never see ! 



Second Evil Spirit- Vl\ haste away this soul t» 
seize and bind, 
That it with us stern torments here may find. 
Lost ! lost fore'er, forever lost are we ! 
Peace, joy and Heaven we shall never see ! 
Chorus of Evil Spirits^ in anger — 
We'll hasie away and bring this soul to Hell, 
With us in torment here fore'er to dwell. 
Haste ! haste away, and bring this soul to Hell 
With us in torment here fore'er to dwell. 
Apollyon — Confusion, my best friend, here reigns 
supreme ! 
Hell now is like a madman's wildest dream ! 
Disperse ! ye sons of woe, to torments keen ! 
Beware ! hereafter, when my courts convene ! 
Mammon, begone ! take thou this task of death ; 
I'll clothe thy spirit in a comely sheath. 
Weave thou thy nets from vain perfidious mirth, 
When thou dost ply thine arts on yonder Earth. 



Grand Tableau, representing Prologue in 
Mid-heavens. 

SCENE— Same as in first tableau, with throne removed, 
and constellation Taurus on the right-hand side of canopy in 
the upper side of same, and the constellation Scorpion on 
lower lett hand side of canopy. 

ENTER MAMMON. 

Majumoji — FromGraftias, in sign the most remote, 
From Taurus bold, where Al cyon I note, 
Now through the dark abyss of space I haste — 
Remembering well my passage through the waste — 
The vast and dreary voyage that I made 
When last to Earth's small orb my mission laid. 
Now, swifter than the hot electric spark, 
I on the endless sea of space embark — 
But, see ! my zeal hath urged me past my goal. 
Beyond the Earth where dwells that human soul ! 
What radiant being this who nears my sight. 
Speeding along on wings of dazzling light? 

ENTER RAPHAEL. 

It is an angel from the heavenly world, 
Whence bold Apollyon was sternly hurled ! 



Raphael— '^\i-3X see I now approaching through 
the void ? 
Of heavenly beauties is the form devoid ; 
It seems as 'twere a spirit from the realm 
Where woe eternal doth its souls o'erwhelm ! 
\To Mammo7i.\ Whence art thou, traveler, athwart 

this void, 
Twixt circling spheres in trackless space upbuoyed? 

Mammon — From Graffias, within the Scorpion's 

head, 
Bound to Sun's planet. Earth, I've sped. 
And whence hail'st thou, with wings of dazzling 

light ? 

Raphael— Yxovn. Alcyon, among the Pleiads bright. 
I, too^ now hasten to the Sun's domains. 
The Earth a creature of my charge contains, 
Victor, by name — a tiny babe as yet. 
Whose infant soul dark sins will soon beset. 
I, now, am sent to guide him in the way 
That leads from thence to Heaven's eternal Ciay. 
I fear thy mission hath no good intent. 

Matnmon — Well thou dost judge : for this same 
soul I'm sent. 

Raphael— ^?ick to thy realm of torment turn, I 
pray, 
For thou shalt ne'er this human soul betray. 

MatTwion — Vain thy desire. Apollyon knows full 
well 
That I will bring this soul with me to hell. 

Raphael - Spirit of woe ! on ruin ever bent, 
Hopeless the mission on which thou art sent ; 
Christ on yon Earth hath broken Satan's power — 
Scattered the clouds of sin that o'er it lower — 
With Breath Divine He turns Hell's darkest storms; 
The hearts of men with love for God He warms. 
His side received the wound from Satan's spear 
Hurled at weak man, who need no longer fear 
Spirits like thee, on mischief thither sent, 
If trusting Jesus with a mind intent. 



Mafumoii—WGA^ well thy words, or I may here 
renew 
That contest fierce, that once our hosts o'erthrew. 
Quick to my hand Apollyon sends the shaft. 
His breath athwart this void my weapons waft, 
Which, in terrific anger, I can hurl. 
Driving thee back to heaven's gates of pearl! 

Raphael — Nay! Stay thy fury; raise not impious 
hands 
Against one God Who all these worlds commands ! 
1 need but whisper here a moment's prayer 
And He will hurl thee back to hell's despair. 

The Lord [uneeen from heaven) — My realms dis- 
turb not with the sounds of strife, 
For peace here reigns triumphant e'er with life. 

\^Ma7?ifnon vanishes. "^ 
.Raphael — [As he speaks a globe representing the 
earth is made to move toward him, or vieio of 
earth is opened from hack part of scene.] 
Alone I am! The Earth below appears, 
More charming now than all her sister spheres! 
There, sparkling in the genial rays of sun, 
Through valleys clothed in jasper, rivers run. 
Bold mountains spread their arms about the globe. 
And verdure, snow or waters Earth enrobe! 
Now to this orb, as gentle zephyrs blow, 
I float along far from its fields of snow. 
Invisible alight 'mid summer's bloom, 

[Scene shoxvs apartment described.] 
And seek the precincts of the quiet room 
Where Victor lies. Now gaze intent 
Upon his tiny face, in rest content, 
Nestled with love against his mother's heart; 
His face of her sweet face the counterpart, 
Though free from all the traces cares have left 
Upon her face, of youth's bright glow bereft. 



END OF PROLOGUE. 



8 
ACT I— TABLEAU IV. 
SCENE — A native forest in America opening into a 
field. On one side rung a small river entering the forest. 
Boat in water. Raphael is seated on bank of river with harp 
by his side. Victor, with horn in one hand and fishing pole 
in theother.walks back among the trees of the forest; a hunt- 
ing dog following. He does not see Raphael. 
RAPHAEL AND VICTOR. 

Raphael Lo ! in the silent wood there roams 
the youth. 
With gracious nnien, and song — young Victor 'tis. 
His visage as the sky serene and bright — 
Simplicity of youth, divinely sweet. 
The pure, untarnished mind with vigor rife, 
Yet ignorant of guile in all its forms, 
When heavenly feelings mind and heart e'er warm. 
\_Sings, accompanied by harp:\ 

Shepherd art Thou, Lord e'er gracious, 
Want shall never o'er me frown ; 

Thou in pastures green, capacious, 
Bidst me kindly to lie down. 

Near the waters Thou dost lead me. 

Thou restorest oft my soul ; 
Thy great love dost oft revive me, 

And my sorrow dost console. 

For Thy name's sake Thou dost lead me 

In the paths of righteousness. 
Yea, though passing through the valley 

Clouded o'er with dark distress, 

I shall feel no evil near me, 
For I'm conscious Thou art there, 

That Thy rod and staff direct me, 
That I am beneath Thy care. 

Thou preparest tables for me 

In the presence of my foes ; 
Balmi st oil thou pourest o'er me, 

And my cup with joy o'erflows. 

Grace and mercy me shall follow 
Till the days of life have flown , 

Then I'll dwell in heaven, holy 
Lord, forfever, 'neath Thy throne. 



Victor — I've listened with delight to the sweet 
psalm 
That, on Judea's hills, once David sang, 
To rhapsodies divine his harp attuned. 

Raphael — Leave now thy sports, fair lad — draw 
near, I pray. 
This streamlet's grassy bank shall be our seat: 
Take from this pearly flask a sparkling drink; 
The waters pure will give thee lasting strength. 

Victor — Thouart a stranger, but a good man seem. 

Raphael — List to the counsels, then, I'll give to 
thee. 

Victor — A pleasure I shall deem to hear thee talk; 
So full of peace and love thine eyes and voice 
They dreams of angels from above recall. 

Raphael — Child of the earth, so gay, riding along 
Upon the hours of youth, and singing songs 
Of brooks, of birds, of winds, of rustling trees — 
Have griefs embittered yet thy heart so young, 
Or sins unwholesome e'er disturbed thy rest? 

Victor — No, my good sir, for I have been the 
child 
Of mountains, tangled forests, winds and storms; 
The vivid lightnings and loud thunder peals 
Do e'er delight me with their grandeurs wild; 
O'er nature's beauties roam I, free as air. 

Raphael — O, child of happiness, my words attend. 
This earth less joyous is than first it seems; 
Wide scattered o'er its face the human race 
Have it with woe and sin now overwhelmed. 

Victor — In ignorance I wish that I could live 
Of all but that which gives one health and joy. 

Raphael-^Th-MS Adam lived, who headed this 
great race. 
Until, through sin, he brought disgrace on man. 
He in a lovely garden waked, full formed 
In harmony to dwell with all in peace. 
God gave him Eve, she lovely as the dawn 
When in the east it bursts with glory forth 
With purple, azure, golden rays adorned, 



The lingering shades of night dispersing fast. 

[A dense i7iist forins over river.'\ 
I wave this wand — behold the circle formed 
Within yon mist — in it see paradise. 

\^A tableau is presented in circle, formed in the 
misty brilliantly illuminated. Eve seen in 
bower, which is covered with flowers and 
vines. A spring wells up from ground near 
by, a natural fountain. Adam stands near 
Eve, gazing upon her. Tree of good and 
evil near them; foliage partially hides fig- 
ures which may be composed of very small 
and beautiful children to good effect. Birds 
and trees. '\ 

Victor — How grand! how fair! is Eden in its 
bloom! 
God spread it forth, thus rich with flowers and fruit, 
Where birds of gorgeous plumage warbled songs 
Caught from the melodies of angels heard. 

Raphael — Like gentle zephyrs came God's coun 
sels there; 
He filled their infant souls with wisdom rare, 
Intelligent were they as they were fair. 

{^Tableau disappears.] 
Victor — God told them of one tree they must 
abstain. 
Called good and evil, eat not thou of this, 
Said he, or thou shalt die. 

Raphael — And strange to say, 

Through Satan's snare, they broke this first com 

mand, 
And they were driven forth from Eden's groves. 
I wave this magic wand, behold the scene! 

[Same surroundings as former tableau, but 
Eve appears with hair in wild disorder, pic- 
ture of despair. Serpent seen coiled on tree 
near her. Adam looking at her in scornful 
sorrow. An angel with sharpened two-edged 
sword stands iti attitude of command, as if to 
drive them forth. Lightnings flash ana 
thu7iders roll, and clouds collect about scene. 
Children^ s figures same as before.] 



Old Satan, thrust from out the heavenly world, 
With rebel angels, he their chief, hates God. 
With malice keen, and dark revengeful wrath, 
He sought fair Eden in its peace serene. 
And wrought destruction midst the works of God. 

[Tab lea u disapp ea rs.'\ 
Plctor — How knew he what transpired outside of 

hell? 
Raphael This ancient spirit, damned, consigned 
to woe. 
Through some deep spiritual pow'r perceived 
What e'er transpired in vast creation's realms. 
It proved a torment thus all worlds to see. 
Their happiness to know, but not enjoy. 

Victor — What right had he to leave his cursed 

abode ? 
Raphael — Twas some old right God willed him to 

retain. 
Victor — So then he left at times that joyless 

world? 
Raphael — Yes. Once a brilliant star it shone on 
high, 
But hurled, with comet's swiftest speed at last, 
To endless darkness, grim and vast, down, down. 
Whence no doomed star could ever rise again 
To constellations of bright heavenly spheres. 

Victor — Thus the lost soul from Heaven's su- 
premest joys 
Must sink, through sin to hell's eternal woe. 
Raphael — Yes, tis too true. 
Victor — Then Satan met fair Eve 

In Eden innocent? 

Raphael — Yes, but unwise. 

Victor — Did he from her own lips learn God's 

command? 
Raphael — He did: her ruin planned and sealed 
her doom. 
Thus Eve's fair daughters still, with hearts all gay. 
Leave their pure homes, while thoughts their minds 

will fill 
Of what has happened in their youthful years, 
And meet some stranger in this life's highway, 



Perchance, and cautious words of those most dear 
Forget, unconscious that a heart is near. 
Intent on ways e'er wicked, base and dark, 
Devising schemes that may defile their souls. 

Victor — Ye shall not surely die, then Satan said; 
Eat of the tree and ye shall grow to be 
Like gods, and know both good and evil here — 
I so have read in God's own book, good sir. 

Raphael — Yes, and forbidden fruit Eve took; 
she ate. 
Then gave to Adam. Satan's envious wrath 
Was gratified; earth doomed, and our Lord wept . 

Victor — He, Lord, as Jesus after known, who 
wept 
Over the grave of Lazarus, his friend? 

Raphael— Y&s, He the same, He wept o'er graves 
foreseen 
That since have swallowed millions on the earth. 
He knew the world would soon be curst, and swept 
By hell's dark blast, containing woe and death, 
While passions wild would their dark nature show. 

Victor — Six thousand years since then have rolled 

away — 
Raphael— A.ndi earth has failed to pay the penalty 
Created by transgressing God's command. 

Victor — And could it e'er, had not our Lord 
brought here 
Redemption for a world of sin and pain, 
By forfeiting for man a spotless life? 

Raphael — Nay, never! He, from his bright 
throne on high. 
Beheld the earth, once pure, in sin now chained. 
He who had fought the rebel angel once. 
Saw Satan vanquished, and from heaven cast 
With his great host, this 'vantage of his foe 
Could not perceive, and silently endure. 
He left his throne; his dazzling crown took ofil: 
Was born in Bethlehem. 



13 

\Raphael moves xvand again; tableau of chila 
in manger, halo about his head. Mary, shep- 
herds, Joseph and others standing by, seen 
in mist.'X 

Behold the scene ! 
Blest Mary's son! 
Raphael — \^Si7igs, accompattied by his harp.'\ 
Beautiful Babe, who awoke in the East, 
'Mong Judea's princes, Thou not the least; 
Encircling Thy brow a halo of light, 
Reflected Thy love in radiance bright. 
Victor and Raphael in chorus 
Thou, Savior of men! Redeemer of mine! 
O, holy Thy being, pure and divine! 

Raphael — He grew, and soon He smote 
The head of the old serpent with His heel. 
And God's eternal laws on human hearts replaced, 
And vanquished by His resurrection here, 
Upon this sin-stained planet, death's vile sting. 
Victor — Is death not known on all the planets, 
then, 
Which roll in their vast orbits 'round the sun? 
Raphael — Nay! Think not thus, my son, for 
death with sin 
Comes only; without sin, eternal life, 
Complete and perfect, reigns. And so it is 
Beyond this globe, on other worlds where dwell 
Beings intelligent, in God's image formed, 
Who have not dared to violate his laws. 

Victor — A second conquest, then, our dear Lord 

won? 
Raphael — Yes; by His light the world began 
once more 
To follow God's primeval laws. 

Victor — Which will, 

I hope, redeem at length our fallen race. 

Raphael — All who believe will be redeemed and 
live. 
Heed now my words, fair youth, so thou can st guide 
Thy tiny bark through life unharmed and true. 
Ne'er fearing storms or driving tempests wild. 
Victor — As on each side a host may sink down, 
down 



H 

To dark dismay, beneath the waves of sin, 
My Savior, Friend, Redeemer, God, and thee, 
O, bear me onward in my trembling bark. 
Up, up, to yon bright port of lasting rest, 
To dwell with angels there forever blest! 

Raphael — Cast now thine eyes upon a thrilling 
scene; 
The crucifixion of the Savior, slain 
For you — for all, to cleanse away all sin. 

\^Rap}iael waves zvand in air, and Victor sees 
above the Lord enveloped in a dark cloud 
nailed to the cross; Mary zueeping at foot of 
cross; Roman soldiers with spears; croxvn of 
thorns upon head of the Lord; disciples in 
background. Darkness broods over the scene. '\ 
Victor — O gracious Lord, O Lamb of God, what 
love I 
On Thee I gaze, transfixed my eager eyes. 
Bright shines that glorious image, pure, divine — 
Thou, Son of God, Whose power fills the world. 
Raphael \_Sings, accompanied by harp ] — 
Like rays from the sun, when mounting the skieS| 
The pure beams that will from that Savior arise, 
Peace, love and grace shining down upon earth 
From the loved Son of God once lowly of birth. 
Raphael and Victor — Chorus- 

Thou Savior of men, Redeemer of mine! 
O, holy Thy being, pure and divine 
Raphael — 

The Savior of men, to the sinner so dear, i 
With halo undimmed, which life speaketh e'er, 
Though slain, still alive triumphant and free, 
All glorified souls shall eternally see. 
Raphael and Victor— Chorus. • 

Thou, Savior of men. Redeemer of mine! 
O, holy Thy being, pure and divine 1 

\^Scene vanishes.'] 
Raphael — The founts impure, whence flow the 
streams of sin 
Imbibed by men, which make them vile and low, 
Corrode their hearts, and ruin souls fore'er, 
I will reveal; shun thou their withering blast. 



15 

[Waves his wand. Scene appears in mist of 
miser counting or gazing on his money; beg- 
gar extends empty hand and is unnoticed by 
the miser. '\ 

Gold! {inlowvoice.^ power omnipotent on earth, 

that dares 
Men's souls to subjugate and rule! Gold! Gold! 
Ruling a soul, and yet its meanest tool! 
Slave of the man it most enslaves and rules, 
Binding him oft with golden chains of sin; 
Man pays thee homage, and in silent gloom 
He treads the floor at midnight, racks his brain 
To see how he can hoard thee, swell his wealth. 
It matters not though all the land be wronged! 
The workman eats his crust, half paid and worn; 
The widow, orphan, perish at his door, 
By him of their just legacies deprived. 
He plans to have what pleases most his soul, 
Base soul, that drinks from founts of death of sin. 
And evil lusts. Self reigns supreme! No thought 
Of Christ, or love, unsullied love. 
Exalts his mind- dark, gloomy, starving mind; 
But chained is he to misery and wealth; 
The victim there of gold. O gold! thou lying gold! 

[Scene disappears.'^ 
Victor — I shall not love too much this tempting 
i^ gold! 

UnlesJ its gain might be eternal loss. 
The poor, the sick, the needy I will aid; 
Increase my means, and use them well when earned. 
. Raphael — Yes; money must be used; for it we 

•^ toil. 
Contrive, think, strive, design, procure and sell; 
Its vile abuse alone will cause us harm; 
For money, representing life and wealth, 
Can ruin souls, or yield man healthful joy^ 
Without it map becomes a weight on men 
Who pity first, then soon despise and shun; 
Ahaughtylook they give of marked disdain; 
Forget all kindred, and all friendship's claim. 
He loses freedom, energy of mind. 
Who seeks to beg his bread from other's means, 
W^ho idly waits for charity, a myth. 
How seldom seen! how few therewith are blessed! 



i6 

A myth, an empty myth, but rarely found, 
Cold as her statue, and of haughty mien. 
Her favored ones are miserably low. 

Victor — A goddess she whose smiles I ne'er shall 
want; 
The money I shall need I e'er shall earn. 
Grant charity, ne'er charity desire. 

Raphael— Beware, O youth, the mocking wine, 
and pray 
That thou shalt never know the wretched hour 
When lost through liquors vile, or wicked lust, 
No longer thou canst find the joys of earth. 

[ Waves wand in the air. Scene in j?iist of 
drunkard in circle, with appropriate sur- 
roundings ,'\ 
Victor — O see the drunkard reeling, staggering, 
there, 
With bloodshot eyes, and clad in tattered clothes ! 
Of all that meets the eye he basest seems. 
Unmerited by him so fair a world. 

Raphael — Sweet youth, with guileless lips and 
brow and sense, 
O never let your bark sail onward thence, 
Down to an ocean, vengeful in its might; 
But strive to rise and gain eternal rest. 
Among the spirits pure in homes e'er blest. 
Let me, with love, thy youthful form embrace, 
Ere thou thy homeward path alone retrace. 

\_Raphael embraces Victor ; after which he 
leaves in a boat tvhich floats down the river, 
while he plays on the harp.'\ 
[Enter Rolf playing on a flute, followed by 
gaily-attired female figures, each dancing or 
playing upon some light instrument, or act- 
ing the part of personages they represent, 
who pass and repass Victor and finally fortn 
a circle about him, continuing their dancing^ 
the sirens singing. '\ 

Sirens. 
Merrily, merrily, the livelong day 
We dance, and we sing as time slips away; 



17 

O come now and join us, youth, young and fair; 
Happy thy days will glide free from all care. 

Merrily, merrily, the livelong day. 
We dance, and we sing, as time slips away. 
Don't live a sober life, join us and be 
Gay as the happiest of us you see. 

ENTER RICHARD. 

Richard— 'Qy Jove! though, ain't those fine girls? 
I say, Victor, where'd those girls come from? 
Country girls, I reckon! Live hereabouts? Deuce, 
though, can't they dance? Come, Victor, and let 
us have a round dance, or a dance round on this 
'ere green. 

Rolf—Y)\c\i, say less, and more favors you will gain; 
A youth high bred you would pass for, indeed; 
But let them judge from your dress and your form. 
[To Victor'] See, I have called up fairies from the 

woods, 
Goddesses of beauty, love and of mirth; 
Venus, Diana, sirens not a few; 
Thalia and Terpsichore, Vesta -No? 
She comes not for me, but enough are here 
Without her, I think, for our present joy. 
Victor and Venus will lead off the dance; 
Thalia and Richard, follow ye them. 
While I take the huntress Diana so fair; 
Let Terpsichore's music fill all the air. 

[They are led in the dizzy dance of the fairies 
and the goddesses until the music of Haphael 
is heard on the river, when suddenly all dis- 
appear, leaving Richard and Victor alone. '\ 
Richard — The deuce! Victor, what's all this 
mean? Such a dance, with such splendid, magnifi- 
cent girls! Whirl-about, whirl- a-gig, away they 
danced; then left us as sudden as they came. 

Victor — O Richard, talk not lightly of this scene; 
It sends a cold, dark shudder through my veins; 
An influence unfathomable, dark, 
Moves back of all this fairy imagery. 
Often before this have I such things seen. 
Thrust by an unknown hand across my path. 

Richard- Zounds! I s'pose 'tis the devil and his 
tools 
Trying to deceive us two country fooli! 



I8 

ACT I— TABLEAU V. 

SOENE— Portico of large mansion. Grove of trees and 
an arbor in front yard. Guitar on floor of porch. Summer 
Bcene. Star light. A slender iron fence runs along in front 
of yard. Street outside. 

VICTOR VON RIESENKAMPF. 

Victor— K foreign tour, o'er seas I quickly fly, 
The brilliant scenes imagination draws 
Pass quickly 'thwart my mind. ]\ly busy brain 
Is thinking, planning, as to the best route. 
My thoughts return again to partings row 
From those so dearly loved. 

ENTER MRS. V, R. 

Mrs. V. R.— Well, my dear boy, 

And so you start to-night? 'Tis mid July; 
How pleasant is the eve! The beaming rays 
Of sun no longer here are shed; he leaves 
The cold stars there to glimmer in the night. 

Victor — Which cast their mellow light o'er all 
the scene 
As nature sinks to rest. 

Mrs. V. R.— A lovely night 

To start upon yoin- journey, my dear son. 

Victor — O, very, mother dear! 

Mrs. V. R. — Your tour's marked 

out? 

Victor — Surely; first to Niagara I go. 
Then at New York take steamer and cross o'er 
The ocean; land in France, at Havre's port, 
From thence I take the railroad to Paris; 
Then, passing Brussels, reach Cologne. 

Mrs. V. R. — And see 

The field of Waterloo? 

Victor — Indeed I will, 

And the cathedral also at Cologne. 

Mrs. V. R. — I saw both forty years ago, my boy; 
No railroads then bore me from land to land 
With speed of lightning in luxurious cars. 
I traveled then Vjy coach on ancient roads. 



19 

Victor — How changed the world must seem to 

you. 
Mrs. V. R. —All changed. 

Victor Then I will go to Cobl^ntz from Cologne; 
To Heidelberg through Frankfurt, then, from there. 
Here stop and study, as you do advise. 
Vacations I will spend by visiting 
Grand Switzerland, old Rome and Greece, perhaps; 
Then up the Mediterranean sea • 

To Constantinople, then to Moscow 
And St. Petersburg, and then through Berlin, 
Back to Heidelberg. 

Mrs. V. R. O, St. Petersburg! 

Here was I when proud Moscow was destroyed. 
Wrapt all in flames, by order of the Czar, 
To save it from Napoleon the Great, 
Who thus was left shorn of all hope to save 
From Russia's frigid clime his army vast, 

Victor -That must be years ago. 

Mrs. V. R. — I was a child, 

But recollect it well. 

Victor — . A daring feat. 

Mrs. V. R. — Well, Victor, go, and foreign scenes 
observe; 
Mark well the wonders God around displays; 
Thou knowest all the fears which fill my breast. 
But trust in Him will quiet them to rest. 
Seek honor, virtue, and enduring fame. 
And may thy wisdom every day increase. 
Endeavor to abstain from earth's dark sins. 
So after leading here a useful life, 
Thou canst to Him ascend, with soul redeemed. 

Victor — Mother, with love, I here now promise 
thee 
Thy counsels to attend, and strive to gain 
Eternal heaven by obeying God. 

Mrs. V, R. — The legacy left us in Saxony, 
Choses in action, money, and some lands. 
With an old mansion house, you will arrange? 
One hundred thousand dollars valued once, 
In all, and seeing lands are rented well, 
Or sold, the papers then convertible. 



To money turned, with other money send, 
Taking therefrom your part. 

Victor— I understand; 

And all my papers of identity 
Have ready, with the Consul's seal attached. 
Twenty-five thousand dollars is my share, 
Which you are willing, then, I should retain? 

Mrs. V. R. — 'Tis yours, my son, and I have faith 
in you. 
If you see fit to send it to be loaned 
In your own land on mortgages, and keep 
Sufficient to defray expenses, well, 
If not, state what you would prefer. 

\ictor — Your way, 

Dear mother, is the best, and I will act 
As you suggest. 

Mrs. F, R. — See all the business done 
Is done correct, according to the will. 

Yictor — I shall dispose of lands, or rent them out 
To honest tenants, and set all to rights. 

Mrs. V. R. — So be it, son, and now hear my 
advice. 
Beware, my son, of too much love of praise, 
Of ignorance; of a dishonest name; 
Hold fast to virtue, as you value life; 
Improve the mind, in vigor keep it e'er; 
Its faculties, so high, preserve with care; 
Do not their brightness through base acts destroy; 
Created these to use, in daily life. 
Not to be tortured by some vile abuse. 

Yicfor — Yes, this I'll strive to heed, and to obey. 

Mrs. V. R. — Shun thou narcotics of all kinds, 

if wise. 
Which drown men's senses, paralyze their minds. 
Yictor — I do not smoke, dear mother, nor shall 

learn. 
Mrs. V. R. — The human form divine keep ever 

pure 
And free from noxious drinks and poisons vile. 
Victor — I do not drink, dear mother, and ne'er 

shall. 



Mrs. V. R. — Let Christ releve the heart from all 
its sins, 
And through thy life inweave His purer life ; 
Seek thou the vital soul through Him to save, 
His life for its eternal life He gave. 

lExit Mrs. KR.] 
Victor— 1 will o'ercomethe strong desires that rise 
Unbidden, and from M'hence I do not know. 
Within my breast and tempt me to depart 
So oft from righteous ways. She little knows 
The will restrained by my great love for her, 
And fair Victoria whom I must leave, — 
I was to meet her in yon shady bower 
This very eve ; there tell her all my plans. 

\_Victor leaves portico and enters bower in yard 
of adjoining residence, the home of Victoria.'\ 
I'll play her favorite piece on this guitar, 
'T will bring her from her home to meet me now. 

\Enter Victoria, who tneets Victor in arbor ^ 
Behold thy star, Altair in Aquila, 
Now brighter, fairer than all other stars ! 
In making it thy choice didst thou e'er think 
That it might shine, and make my heart rejoice 
When far from thee upon the ocean vast, 
Recalling hours when thou wert by my side ? 

Victoria — Upon the ocean ! Thou dost me sur- 
prise. 
What shall I from this startling news conclude ? 
Oh ! Victor, thou art joking now, I know, 
In earnest, I'm sure, thou can st not be. 

Victor — In earnest, ti'uly, my Victoria, dear ; 
The time that I must leave is near at hand — 
Yes, this same night I start upon my tour, 
And in one week I'll board the Arago ; 
Pray, then, that the gentle winds may fan the sea. 
Victoria — To-night ! And thou hast told me 
naught before ! 
What aim leads thee to seek a foreign clime ? 
Victor — Ambition leads me — high my hopes 
aspire ; 
Up higher, as yon star, thou callest me, 
Thou art the star that guides my destiny ; 



And parting now this thought my heart consoles, 
That I shall train my mind for lofty aims. 
Thy admiration sought gives genius wings ; 
Genius, yon star, the diamond in thy ring — 
With their bright luster naught can e'er compare, 
For they e'er sparkle with their own bright light, 
Dispel our gloom, and beautify our path. 
My genius, kindled by thy genial love, 
Impels me many miles to go from thee ; 
But nearer to thee shall my mind e'er grow ; 
O, may my genius shine, as doth this night, 
Altair, thy diamond and thy lustrous eyes. 

Victoria — Bright, lofty virtues shining through 
the soul, 
Undimmed, and ever free from earth's control, 
And genius linked with purity of mind — 
These in thee, Victor, I e'er hope to find ; 
That they in thee exist, time shall declare, 
Beloved and honored for thy virtues rare ; 
Then, as a friend, with friendship pure and true, 
I e'er shall wish a faithful friend in you. 

\Torchlight procession, in celebration 0/ the 
laying of the Cable, suddenly marches up in 
front of residences in street ; band plays 
^^Hail Columbia^' and '■'■Britannia.'^ 

Citizens — The Queen of England sends the first 
dispatch ; 
She greets the President from Britain's isles 
Across the cable through the ocean laid. 

Boys aftd citizens— Yox Queen Victoria three 
cheers we give. 
Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! Hip, hip ! 

Boys — Tiger ! 

Victor — Respond, my noble queen, Victoria. 

Victoria — Hush, hush ! They cheer a noble queen, 
But not the queen thou fear'st will rule o'er thee. 

Victor — Well, I shall send three heart/ cheers in 
air 
For fair Victoria ; which, I'll let them judge. 
Three cheers for fair Victoria I give. 
Hear, boys. Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! 



23 

Boys — Tiger! 

1st Cilizen—0\x\ he is cheering for his girl, I 
know. 
A fair and noble queen she truly is. 

2d Citizen — Three cheers for fair Victoria we 
give. 

1st Citize/i—Snch queens Columbia need never 
fear; 
They fight for liberty, we all do know. 

^//—Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
Boys— Hip! Hip! Tiger! 

Victor — You have my humble thanks, good cit- 
izens. 
You all do know me well, so, let me say, 
I love the Queen Victoria notless, 
But my Victoria more, and so" gave 
Three hearty cheers for her. I soon shall leave 
Both you and her, and travel far away; 
May soon be subject to that other queen 
On England's shores, which they do say are 

fenced. 
The island is so small, and still so full, 
There's danger of some falling off. How's that? 

Several — Do not believe it; but, if so, then send 
To uncle Jonathan's rich prairies vast 
Those Johnny Bulls who have not room at home. 

Victor — My friends, the town seems all ablaze 
this eve 
With torches, rockets, and with bonfires bright. 
In celebration of the cable laid 
Between the eastern shores of this free land. 
And the far off western coast of that Old World. 
Bold those adventurers who hope to join 
Two shores so distant with a thread of iron. 
'Twill seem mysterious, and strange to hear, 
A voice that speaketh with a tongue of fire 
Across the ocean through that submerged wire. 

Citizens — Three cheers for Victor, let us givej 
Hip! hip! 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
Boys — Tiger! Tiger! 



24 

[£xi^ procession, band playing " Yankee 
Doodle.'''' Enter party of young people, 
friends of Victor and Victoria.^ 

Several — We hear, friend Victor, you intend to 
leave 
And visit Europe. 

Victor — Yes, and very soon; 

All now is ready, and I start to-night — 
At ten o'clock I take the train. 

Several — To-night! 

Victor — Come, let us to the house repair at once. 
And I will bid you all a last farewell. 

\All cross over to portico of Victor'' s house, 
which is lighted by lamps on s[de.'\ 

Here, we can stop upon this portico. 
Come, let us sing together here once more 
Some merry, well-known song before we part; 
Victoria the harp and I my flute 
Will play— What shall it be? 

Several — Choose you the song. 

\^They sing, several Joining in chorus.'\ 

Several — How have you, then, arranged your 

trip? Let's hear ? 
Victor — I have not formed, as yet, my route entire. 
But shall expect to visit England, France, 
Then Germany. Vacations I will spend 
In travels. First, perhaps, to Italy 
I'll go, to Turkey's capital, and Greece 
From thence; to Russia and to Berlin then. 
And back to Bonn, or Heidelberg again. 
Several — Have you no company to go with you? 
Victor — Oh, no; none but my thoughts or those 
I'll meet 
At points along the way, and your kind words 
And wishes spoken here. Now let us dance 
Upon the lawn. Ned, play the fiddle. 

\All form in quadrille, and dance in front of 
portico on lawn.\ 



25 

ENTER MINISTER, VICTOR'S MOTHER, SISTERS 
AND BROTHER. 

Minister — Well, my young friends, how you 

enjoy yourselves! 
It does me good to see this honest sport, 
Well-timed and innocent. I could myself 
Join in with you and spend a pleasant hour. 
So, Victor, you will leave us now? 

Wictor — E'en so. 

Good pastor, and shall strive to heed your words, 
Oft spoken in the pulpit, warning all 
Beware of sin, of pride, all evil ways. 
I ask your blessing on my journey now. 
Good reverend sir, my teacher, and my friend. 

Minister — Yes; that I shall, my boy, with pleas- 
''^ ure give; 

But first I'll say what you now bring to mind: 
Love springs to life and smiling there appears, 
Man in his youth, the image of his God; 
He claims the world, absorbing power and force, 
From earth and air, from water, and from light; 
Enjoys the bounties and the charms of life. 
Becomes a man, possessing ample strength 
Of mind and body to o'ercome the world; 
Filled with th-e spirit of the Power Supreme, 
He wields the elements which him surround; 
Chaining the water, lightning, wind, and fire, 
He makes them servants of his giant will; 
Fruit, grain, plants, trees, flowers, shrubs are his 

to use; 
Beast, fish, and fowl yield up their life for him. 
While all the minerals in earth and sea 
Submit to him who breaks their stubborn strength. 
Be thou supreme, O sovereign man! while life 
Pervades your being, lends you strength and 

thought. 
Seize on the varied forces of the world. 
And bid them act thy pleasure at thy will. 
If you are tempted, Victor, call on God 
To aid you to resist, and trusting Him 
Will prove salvation and your lasting good. 
And may God bless you, my dear son, and grant 
That you in happiness and peace may live 
While distant from us, and return all safe. 
Well profited by studies and your trip. 



26 

yicUr — And now, good friends, it draweth near 
the hour 
When I must leave, so let me give to all 
A last farewell I a long and last farewell. 
Hoping, on my return, to see you all. 

[ Victor 710W bids good-bye, shaking hands, em- 
bracing jnother and sisters, and then ap- 
proaching Victoria, leads her to his mother 
and places their hands together S\ 
Victor — Mother, Victoria, you each love me, 
I love you both, so witness all now here; 
No foolish love, but manly, honest love; 
So love each other, as I love you both. 
I shall retui-n. if our God wills; if not. 
Cheer and support each other's lives and hopes. 
Mother — And may God bless us all, and soon 
unite 
Our lives again, as He hath now our souls. 

Richard — Whew! that's high toned! Gi-andilo- 
quent! Splendid! I've got plenty money; what's to 
hinder me going to 'U-rope? Say, friends; you all 
do know me well. Yes, and what's the use of mak- 
ing a great palaver about parting? Here, give us a 
good shake of your hands and say good-bye, and 
God bless you. And you, good old governor, send 
nie along my money as I draw. Come, see me off. 
W^ill meet you, Victor, in New York. 

Rolf (asidej — 1, too, will meet you ere you reach 
your goal. 
In gayest pleasures seek to blast your soul. 
ACT II— TABLEAU VI. 
SCENE— Deck of ship Arago, on the Atlantic. Night. 
Capstan with rope coiled about it, on right. Mast on left 
with ropes, &c. Bright starlight. 

VICTOR V. R. 
Victor — Now, on this east-bound ship I stand, 
and watch 
How it the ocean's path doth plow with strength: 
The wild sea-caps are dancing ocean wide, 
Rising and falling, leaping side by side. 
See how the dolphins play upon the waves. 
Victoria's star shines forth in Aquila, 
With sister orbs, on me from out the depths. 
Then one by one sink down beneath the west. 



27 

ENTER SPIRIT OF VESTA ENVELOPED IN DENSE MIST. 

A mist is floating down upon us now; 
See the fair being coming from its midst, 
That hid her matchless beauty in its folds, 
In semblance of an angel, bright, sublime. 
Dew of ambrosial sweetness fills the air; 
Her sunny hair is like the golden grain; 
Amid her beaming brow it parts, and falls 
In trembling ringlets o'er the tossing prow, 
Her pure, transparent veins revealing now. 
Spanning her forehead like bright rays of light. 
Bring'st thou some message from a realm d; vine? 

Spirit of Vesta. 

I in the kingdom of virtue abide; 

The noble and pure there all have been tried; 

Honor and glory immortal will rest 

O'er the fair fame of him by me ever blest. 

Through water and air and heavens I glide; 

The lost one I've seen sink down 'neath the tide, 

Betrayed by one who spurned my command ; 

Avenged are the wronged by my sceptered hand. 

I warn you remember, youth, my decree, 

That my scepter shield thee over life's sea. 

I wave it in air, when before you doth rise 

[Spirit waves icand in air, and tableau of a home 
appears in the mist, father, mother and group 
0} beautiful children.] 

The loveliest spot ever seen 'neath the skies; 
Tis the dear home of him by me ever blest, 
Who hath honored by counsels and found in 
me rest. 

[Spirit vanis/ies.'] 
Victor — Gon&\ Vision of light! Fair angel of hope! 
Alone am I left to ponder the sight. 

[Vidor falls asleep. ] 

ENTER ROLF, RICHARD AND OTHERS WITH GUITAR, 
FLUTE AND VIOLIN. 

Rolf — What! Here is Victor, sleeping on this coil 
Of rope like sailor jaded out with work. 
Boys, let us now the hero serenade; 
Let strains of music his fond dreams disturb. 



28 

[All play ajid several sing."] 

SONG ON THE ATLANTIC. 

Glorious a night on the deep blue sea, 

When the moon's soft rays light the ocean's 

glee, 
And clouds the horizon afar begloom, 
And the stars above the skies illume. 

Their radiant beauty the heavens fill, 
As well as the ocean's depths, so still, 
Their brilliant luster the clouds bedye. 
As the clouds float lightly athwart the sky. 

On the clear night air falls the sailors' song. 
As the sails are bound to the masts along, 
And the dancing waves break on its prow 
As the tranquil sea the ship doth plow. 

It breathes its music o'er the waters round. 
Music of soft and harmonious sound, 
While the sea gulls soar o'er the swaying mast, 
And dart o'er the waves with measure fast. 

O, then we think of the far oft' days 
When hope shed around us glittering rays. 
And joyous our lives as the summer's breeze. 
When the slightest sports would our hearts 
M-ell please. 

We call up muses from silent night, 
And relate our thoughts in the starry light. 
While command we regain o'er all we know, 
Calm as the sea when no winds do blow. 

Richard — Thou mighty deep, unfathomable, roll. 
Or slumber e'en, as now, twixt either pole. 
Or wash the welkin's cheek in iron wrath, 
When fearful winds rush through their gaping path; 
Still art thou bound, art chained within thy bounds 
And must obey, when loud thy master sounds 
His stern command, or wills that master hand 
Shall guide a bark o'er thee from strand to strand. 

Well, boys, perhaps you don't think that's an 
original oration, but it is. If I didn't originate 
it some other orator did. 



29 

Several — Bravo! Well said! llo, Victor, slept 
ye well? 
Pardon if we have spoiled some magic dream. 

Wictor — Gone! vision of light! 

Jvo/f — There, he has been 

dreaming. 

Victor — Well, boys, are you then up so late 
to-night? 
I fell asleep and have been dreaming here, 
How long I do not know. What is the hour? 

Richard — The glimmer of the morn tints now the 
eastern sky, 
Bright vivifying rays mount up on high, 
And soon the sun will burst in glory forth 
From out the sparkling oc,ean toward the north. 

Rolf — Have you not orated enough, bright youth? 

All exclaim — See! see! the scudding ship nears 
England's shore. 

Wctor — Yes, yonder land seems nearing us again. 
Soon forts and castles built on frowning rocks 
Will rise to view, and cities with their ports. 

\^Enter Captain."] 

Rolf — The captain uses now his telescope 
To scan the coast. 

Capta\n — Sailors, seize the guys 

And hoist the flag of stars and stripes on high, 
Let it o'er friendly ocean gaily fly; 
'I hen turn the slumbering cannon to the shore 
And let it give a loud and long salute. 

[(Seuera/ sailors appear and do as ordered.'] 

{Looking through telescope) 
Yon port is Cowes, that now appears to me 
Within the east upon the isle of Wight. 
There dancing o'er the waves a tiny speck 
Draws nigh — the pilot 'tis — he soon will reach 
The ship and guide us safely to the port. 



30 

ACT III— TABLEAU VII. 

SCENE, Paris. Champs D'Elysee on one side. Large 
residence on the other side of street. The doors opening 
occasionally into same show brilliantly lighted Salon or 
parlors. Starlight night. 

VICTOR, STANDING NEAR FOUNTAIN IN THE 
CHAMPS D'ELYSEE. 

Nlcior — Well, here I stand, upon old Europe's 
soil, 
Where empires flourish, and where freedom droops. 
The ocean now I've past, its mighty waves 
At times do roar with fearful gales and storms; 
The shores of free America they wash. 
I hope no monarch's rule will ever curse 
That land to me so dear. God guard it e'er. 
In dazzling France a while I'll linger now. 
Amid these scenes that make one weep and smile; 
Weep, to behold it held with iron grip 
By false Napoleon Third; a perjured soul 
He bears, and holds his power by brittle thread: 
Smile, to attend the fountain's ceaseless how. 
And view the beauteous parks and buildings grand. 
I think as I alone do wander here 
Of wild shi-ieks piercing- shrill its balmy air 
When war swept madly o'er these lovely lands, 
Its glory marring with the hand of death; 
And then of St. Bartholomew's fierce night, 
When deeds were done that shrank from light of day. 

liolf—Comt Victor, friend and grave philosopher, 
Lay by your creeds, your morals, and unbend 
Your rigid brow, and join our group to-night; 
The Lions see of Paris e'er you leave. 

Victor — Oh! well I know this gay, historic place, 
Paris, that standeth on the face of earth. 
Proud of its transient glories and its name. 
Where pleasure reigns in questionable ways. 
The Elysian fields, the Louvre's halls, 
The Gobelins where now the artist wields 
His needle place of brush, and brings to view 
All fresh and new some painting rare and old, 
I here have seen, and arches built of yore 
By mighty monarchs, in their power grown bold, 
W^ho left these monuments to show mankind 
How they had conquered nations, and unfurled 



31 

Theii banner o'er a region stretching far. 

Here is the tomb of First Napoleon, 

"Whose conquests stirred old Europe to her core. 

To thoughtless minds, proud Paris seems all fair; 

Within its parks the sparkling fountains play 

Mid beauteous gardens decked with shady groves. 

And pleasure beckons to one on all sides. 

By thoughtless minds, those minds that cannot see 

What dwelleth there in misery, I mean. 

The starving pauper, and the vicious dens; 

A government deceptive and corrupt. 

Still artists find in Paris widest fields 

Of art and knowledge. 

Rolf— Ha! Ha! Ha! Well said. 

Quit now this strain while we ourselves enjoy. 
Thy brow is oft o'ercast with fear, my friend. 
When earth's fond pleasures beckon thee to come; 
Be not so strict, the way is gay at times; 
Join the light dance, and seek the loving smiles 
Of laughing girls, and drink the sparkling wine. 
Ha! Ha! Come, sober chum so dear of mine. 

V?V/t7r— Who speaks? W^hat spell so strange in- 
vades my breast. 
Which causes counsels good to fade away? 
A bard, who met me on a streamlet's brink. 
And gave me from his flask a sparkling drink 
Of water pure, that filled my soul with strength, 
And taught me of the sinful ways of earth. 
Marked out these sports as leading in the path 
That ends too oft in death, though seeming gay 
To be but painted follies, and as fed 
By fires of hell and votaries of the dead. 

Rolf—h. bard may thus his counsels thee have 
given. 
And told thee how to gain eternal joys. 
But bards there are of other ways and climes, 
Who sing the pleasures of our mortal days; 
A heaven of god-like joy on earth they crave. 
And mourn not here, believing they can keep , 
By righteous ways, a soul to live on high. 
In some pure sphere beyond the sun and stars. 
Nay, son of earth, possessed of strength and youth. 
Do not thus solemn journey over time 
And space, of pleasure wiles devoid, 



32 

And never bending to her happy smiles. 

Seek thou such {points to hall of Salon now open) 

glittering halls by damsels trod, 
Of gay and mirthful mien, who at thy will 
Shall nestle on your bosom in their love; 
Bards sung, ho such fair creatures once pleased 

Jove. 
Victor Nay, nay, friend Rolf, thou dost not 

counsel well; 
I am surprised to hear thee thus advise. 

Rolf - Well, foUovv^ me along the paths of earth, 
And get the gold; this will for thee procure 
Pleasures supreme, and praises of the world. 

Victor — Nay, nay, 'twill drown my senses, dwarf 

my mind, 
Corrupt my soul, to worship naught but gold. 

Rolf — Seek then the warrior's bright and dazzling 

height, 
Glory and honor crown his name with fame; 
Nations of wealth will court thy praise and name. 
See yonder turrets beauteous in the sun. 
Such shall you gain when all our work is o'er. 
See yonder lands with verdure clad and towns, 
Such will at length fall to thee through thy pow'r. 
Hast thou not read where war raged o'er the earth, 
When Greece was in her glory, pomp and pride. 
How Alexander like a comet flashed 
Across the red emblazoned fields of war, 
And won a world and made his name renowned? 
He too found pleasure in his wine, though bold. 
And happy maidens pleased him with their charms; 
He too delighted in this earth's sweet joys. 
He filled a life with honor, love and mirth. 
Victor — And sank a victim to his lust and fame. 
As you well know, and dimmed a lustrous name: 
This illustration is not aptly made. 
The wild lament now hear I will repeat. 
Sung on the Rhine, by one who thought as thee. 



Thou, O glorious! Queen of rivers, 
Now the Germans; once the Franks; 

On thy face the sunbeam quivers, 
Swift thy waters, green thy banks. 



33 

Thou, O beauteous! let me linger 

On thy bosom night and day, 
Gliding o'er thee, looking 'round thee, 

Let me drive all care away. 

Nay! 'tis vain, for memory haunts me, 

Opening all her mystic cells, 
Letting out the past upon me, 

And my history truly tells. 

Scenes ungodly, wayward wand' rings, 

Insults to the Mighty God; 
Spumed too oft His heavenly mercies, 

Onward, deathward, have 1 trod. 

Stop the throbbings of my temples. 
Cool winds fanning now the stream; 

Maidens fair and joyous cheer me, 
Wrapt in anguish now I seem. 

Sing tke songs which oft have soothed me, 
Drive the terrors from my mind, 

Let me drink rich wines beside ye, 
Let me solace near ye find. 

Nay, the winds but fan the wildfire 

Burning up my troubled soul; 
While the singing of the sirens 

Fills me with still greater dole. 

Heavens! High Heavens! I now implore thee, 
Send some balm to heal my wounds; 

Send some power to check me; save me; 
Loud my doom my conscience sounds. 

Hark! a voice from out my childhood 

Faintly breaks upon my ears; 
One that's full of love and sweetness; 

One unheard for many years. 

Come to Me and I will cure thee 

Of thy anguish and thy dole; 
Cast thyself for mercy on Me, 

Saith the Savior of the soul. 

")ft in secret, I will meet thee. 

Lost one, faint one, all alone; 

I will take thy burden from thee; 

I will guide thee to my home. 



34 

Enter Richard and companions tinder the influence 
of xvine. 
RoIf^See, here is Richard; all our jolly chums, 
They, while in Paris, seek her pleasing charms. 
Richard and companions — 
.Come, Victor, come, a night of joy and mirth 
Is opened to us on our mother earth; 
"With laughing girls we'll drive the night away,. 
And seek the gayest pleasures ere the day. 
Rolf—V\\ be the leader, follow me, my chums. 
Hail! Paris, Queen, supreme thy dazzling joys. 
Richard and companions, singing — 

Hail! Paris, Queen of all the cities fair. 
None, none with thee for pleasure can compare. 
Go on, dear Rolf, we'll follow thee, proceed, 
Wine, love and pleasure, this our present need. 

Hail ! Paris, Queen of all the cities fair. 
None, none with thee for pleasure can compare. 
Go on, dear Rolf, we'll follow thee, proceed, 
"Wine, love and pleasure, this our present — 
Rolf— Creed. 

Richard and others — Ha! ha! ha! Victor, this 

our present creed. 
[All enter hall, leading Victor. The doors 
being now open show crowd of officers and 
girls gaily dressed within. Eva and compan- 
ions advance to meet Rolf and other s.'\ 
Eva and companiojis, singing — 

Come, join the dance, O welcome, welcome, all! 
Come, join the dance, and open now the ball; 
The champagne sparkles, music softly swells, 
Here brilliant pleasure all one's care dispels. 
Rolf and others— ^0. come to seek your dazzling 
charms to-night. 
In your gay parlors find supreme delight. 
Eva and companions, singing — 

Come, join the dance, O welcome, welcome, all! 
Come, join the dance, and open now the ball. 
Rolf and others — 

"Wine, love and pleasure, this our present creed, 
No other solace do our young souls need. 

[All Join in dance, except Victor and Eva.'\ 



35 

Eva {advancing toivard Victor'\ — Join in the 
dance, let thy young heart be gay, 
For thou hast made our present mirth thy choice; 
Swing wide tlie gates of fun^ here naught deters, 
No pleasures known to man needst thou to shun; 
No rigid rules restrain our hearts, all free; 
Come, dance with me, by music's soft refrain. 

Victor \steppi71g back'] — Nay ! woman, this I can- 
not do; though here, 
I do not make this present mirth my choice. 
O, woman ! thou first sent from God above, 
Symbol to be of purity and love; 
An angel thou of constant life and joy. 
But turned to beast , thou dost all life destroy; 
A fallen beast and angel both combined. 
When thou thy purity hath once resigned. 

Eva — Stay ! curse nie not, for I do know I'm lost. 
Lost ? lost fore'er! forever lost am I ! 

Victor —l^diYy God, whose mercy ever lives, can 
save; 
Yes, free salvation through the Savior seek; 
If thou wilt turn, and heed that Savior's voice, 
Forsake thy sins, and in His love find peace; 
Then fly from hence, while shame still tints thy 

cheeks, 
While beauty, left from former, purer years, 
Still shows that innocence ere this was thine. 
Yes, fly from hence, to virtue's path return, 
Or thy faint soul will sink to unknown woes. 

{^Firing of pistol heard in another part of par- 
lors caitsing a general confusion.] 

Several - Murder! murder! 

Officers— Police! police! police! 

Eva and others — Who now is killed? What doth 
this turmoil mean? 
'Tis some of Rolf's wild crowd who've done this 

deed. 
Police [entering frojn street .] — Who fired the shot? 

Let' this confusion cease! 
Quick! lock the doors! Let none within escape! 



36 
Rolf, Uside to Victor, Rolf, Richard and others.-] 
—Quick ! follow me and we can clear this row. 

\Exeunt Rolf, Victor and companions through 
secret panel in wall. They enter the street 
again and stop where Victor zvas first seen, 
near fomitain, Eva following.'] 
Rolf—\Ve\\, boys, we're safe, compose yourselves 
at once; 
Speak not too loud, nor laugh; walk slowly on, 
Or else the watchman, marching o'er the park, 
Will catch the signal, and may stop our flight. 
^^ [Eva approaches them.] 

What' who is this that follows us so near? 
Our doom is sealed if they see her with us; 
For it is Eva— Victor, bid her leave, 
But let her not your sober heart deceive. 

[ Victor stops to ?neet Eva, others walk on.] 
^z/a— Thou bidst me fly! O whither shall I fly? 
Scorned by the world, accursed by Him above; 
No friend to shelter me from want or sm; 
Can I begin a life of virtue still? 

Victor— Ut2.x, woman, quietly what I advise; 
Since you your life of shame, at length despise, 
Turn to some labor, humble though it be. 
Fraught with no evil to the world or thee. 
Many there are who work from morn till eve, 
Earn food and clothes, o'er sins they need not grieve; 
Hard seems their lot, yet not so hard to bear 
As toils of those whose sins are all their care. 
Here take this money, and make no delay; 
The city leave ; find work ; to thy God pray. 

{Exeunt all except Eva, tvho assumes the atti- 
tude of prayer.] 
Eva - O Jesus, Son of the Highest ! 
Brother of all men ! 
Child of the Virgin ! 
Hear the prayer of the humble ; 

Bow Thine ear to the lowly, 
Hearken to me, O Jesus, Son of the Highest. 
Feebly I kneel on the earth and inplore Thee, 
Angel in heaven. 
Now to forgive me. 



37 

Loosing thesliackles of woe and despair, 

Loosing the burden of sin, 
O Jesus! Being of Mercy, Being of Love. 

Thou, O Holy, knowest the burden 
Heavily weighing me down to the earth. 

Take it, I pray Thee, 

Granting me pardon, 
Resting upon Thee, Jesus, Son of the Highest! 

Mighty and good. Amen. 



ACT IV. -TABLEAU VIH. 

Scene— Ems. A favorite batbing place on the Lahn, in 
Prussia. Grand Salous or parlors of principal hotel, which 
open into a beautiful garden on rigbt band side. On the 
left of salon are tables arranged for play'ng ''Rouge etNoir." 
Music— a lively walt7, beard; everything ilhiminated and 
in elegant style. Several couples ready for dance in par- 
lors. Russian and Prussian military offirers in uniform. 
Ladies of distinction, French, American and English gen- 
tlemen and ladies. Some play at games in room on left back 
from main parlor in front, while others stroll over, or sit in 
garden on right hand side. A very gay scene. 

VICTOR VON RIESENKAMPF AND ROLF DEMONDE IN 
FOREGROUND.- 

Rolf— The happy dance moves on, and round 
and round 
The joyous dancers turn with measured steps; 
Sweet music fills the air with gladdening strain, 
And floats upon the breeze with mellow sound; 
The moon-lit fountains splash with merry song, 
And add fresh charming notes to those in-doors. 
Beauty is here adorned with gems and pearls, 
With blooming youth profuse with grace and love; 
Scented the air with flow'rs, and rare perfumes 
Which fill the dazzling compass of the scene. 

Victor — Yes; there is seeming joy and cloudless 
mirth 
In this broad way of fashion and of wealth. 

I^olf — There is fair Rosa; I will introduce 
Her to you, Victor; she is nobly born, 
Wealthy and ancient all her family. 

Victor — Wait! wait! 



38 

Rolf—^o\ no! Come, Victor. My young friend, 
Victor von Riesenkampf, who travels here, 
And haileth from America! My friend, 
Rosa von Wichtenstein, a princess, sir, 
Of ancient and of noble family. 

Rosa--l am most happy your acquaintance, sir, 
To make. It gives me pleasure thus to meet 
Great travelers from proud America. 
I speak some English, and delight to use 
The little knowledge I possess of it. 

Victor — I, too, am pleased the privilege to have 
Of making the acquaintance of one blest 
With such high birth, nobility of name, 
And, may I add, of nature as possessed by thee. 

Rosa — 'Tis true, our name is noble, and hath been 
For centuries; yet I will this not heed^ 
But meet a free and learned American 
On that broad cosmopolitan standpoint 
Where princes, scholars, artists all are one. 

Victor — I think you are too kind; but noble names 
Do not confuse Americans, for they 
As free-born souls old Europe travel o'er. 
Filled with the spirit of the land they love. 
I came here to gain knowledge in your schools 
Far-famed for learning as is Heidelberg; 
Here I now study; the ambition have 
A name to earn, and to rise with the few. 
In strength and power above the host of men. 

Rosa — To rule and guide them with your talents, 
sir, 
You are but echoing the thoughts most wise 
Of our nobility. Thus oft do speak 
My brothers, too, of their ten talents rare, 
For youths, you know, think they have never less, 
Though scarcely more than one the most can show. 

Victor — 'Tis true; you judged my thoughts. 

Rolf- — Not bad, I'm sure. 

Rosa — Nay! nay' Not bad at all. He only needs 
Title and name, prestige and family. 
To soon become a worthy nobleman. 

Victor — I must not thus be judged. Let me ex- 
plain: 



39 

But first, a name I have — von Riesenkampf, 

Or giants-fight; for valiant deeds achieved 

Some ancient ancestor was made a knight. 

I now seek knowledge, wealth and place, 'tis true; 

And hope to gain position, station, name; 

When I have this, my power to exercise 

O'er men subject to me, I shall expect 

'Twill be for their best good, still held in bounds 

By laws which make their chosen rulers serve 

At bidding of the ruled. 

Rolf— That is but just. 

Victo7- — 'Tis not so here where princes rule. 

Rosa — 'Tis true. 

We have no laws that us compel to act 
As those we rule do wish; they must obey. 

Victo}' — Yes; rulers they can't choose. 

Rosa — But heaven can — 

Rolf— Come, friends, now dance and leave for 
older heads 
To settle the great question you debate 
Of government. 

Victor — Can I the pleasure have 

Of dancing with Princess von Wichtenstein? 

Rosa — O yes. Sir Victor. 

Vict 07' — 'Tis a gay waltz 

That now is being played. \_They dance.'] 

Rolf {Aside-\-B.Q.\ ha! We'll see. 

Victor \_Stoppingat window]— Miss — oh! pardon. 
Princess von Wichtenstein, 
I fear I do not fully understand 
Your German dances, but I soon shall learn. 

Rosa - Pardon, good sir, I must correct you now. 
For you addressed me "Miss;" I am Madame — 
Madame von Wichtenstein; my husband now 
Is with his regiment in Austria. 

Victor You are his bride? 

Rosa — Ah! truly. 

Victor — And doth Rolf know this? 

Rosa — Of course; 

He is acquainted with my husband well. 
I cannot see why he has told you not. 

Victor — O, 'tis most singular, I do admit. 



40 

Rosa — O, never mind; you still shall be my friend; 
Come, let us walk upon the promenade. 

[ Victor and Rosa enter gar dens. ^ 
The moon moves slowly up the clear blue sky — 
You little thought that Rosa was a bride? 

Victor — Nay, madame; I am much surprised. 

Rosa— Well! well! 

We oft may meet, my friend, 'mid gayest scenes 
Where beauty, love, and fashion cast their light. 
It gives me pleasure to converse with you. 

Victor — Thou payest me a compliment, madame. 

Rosa — Nay! Nay! I love gay company, good sir. 
My husband is so very old and grave — 
And when I bid this place a last farewell 
To seek my home amid its charms to live. 
You then must visit me, and read, and sing, 
Or play your flute, for I shall need, I know, 
Some lively company to turn my mind 
From vexing cares. 

Victor — You are too kind, madame. 

Rosa — Nay! nay! I often have young company 
To drive the tedious hours away — 

Victor— And Rolf. 

Rosa — Yes; Rolf has often played roulette with 
me. 
And met my husband, the proud General; 
He may be there. But tell me of your land — 
Of the Niagara, which is far-famed. 

FiV^cr— Niagara is grand — a boisterous scene 
Below, where waters boil, and rave, and speed. 
Which, with tremend ous leaps, the gulf have gained 
With their swift, pond'rous spring and steady whirl, 
While high above in clouds the mists ascend, 
And blend all colors of the rainbow bright. 
As armies rushing madly at the foe 
With bayonets reflecting rays of light, 
tSo sweep the waters down the rushing stream, 
Illumined by the sun or moon's bright rays. 
Here; read what I did write when near the scene. 
And prove to me how well you know our tongue. 



41 

[ Victor takes small book from his pocket and 
hands to his companion.'] 
Rosa — reading: 

Naught but the stars behold me led this night, 
By wayward chance to watch the noble sight, 
High on the Terrapin to gaze below, 
Or passing o'er the bridge, with footsteps slow; 
Or on the Isle of Luna gazing 'round 
Upon the waters as they swiftly bound; 
Beneath this tree on Iris I will rest. 
And as this scene with rapture fills my breast, 
I'll tune my harp and raise my voice in song. 
Which waves shall echo as they rush along. 
Roll on, proud waters, swiftly glide, 
With magic strength within thy tide; 
Roll on till thou hast worn a path 
To Erie in thy changeless wrath, 
Or rolling, roil till comes that day 
When all of earth shall melt away. 
Here pleased I'll stop to view this wondrous thing 
And listen to its rolling waters sing. 

Thou, bold Niagara! now hear 

The swelling notes I sing to thee; 
Receive and cherish long the tear 
I parting drop, and think of me. 
The rolling surge but beats reply. 
Cry freedom e'er, for that sing I! 

For ages thou wilt boil and surge, 

The stars above thee long shall shine. 
But soon o'er me the funeral dirge 
May melancholy upward chime. 
The rolling surge but beats reply. 
Cry freedom e'er, for that sing I! 

But hark! a soul this dust illumes 

I'm sure can never, never die; 
Although the earth my form entombs, 
'Twill sink below, or rise on high. 
The rolling surge but beats reply, 
Cry freedom e'er, for that sing I! 

Adieu! adieu! ye waters proud; 

Adieu, till I again return; 
Bound e'er as now with thunders loud, 



42 

And all encroachments madly spurn. 
The rolling surge but beats reply, 
Cry freedom, freedom e'er sing I! 

Rosa — That is superb, my friend, and pleases me. 
I find you are a poet, and must see 
More of your writings ere we part. Ah! hear: 
Soon to my country seat I shall return; 
Then you will favor me by coming there; 
Read me your travels, then, and sing with me. 
Now do you promise this, dear sir? 

Victor — I — yes — 

How can I then refuse? 

Rosa — You are too kind. 

There I can see you; here you read, and sing; 
You shall be happy I will guarantee; 
None shall disturb us in my proud chateau. 
So now, adieu! till we shall meet again. 

l^Exil J\osa.'\ 

ENTER ROLF. 

Rolf — Well, Victor, have you then enjoyed your- 
self 
This eve, at least, with Rosa at your side? 

Victor - Mademoiselle you led me to suppose 
Rosa to be, but, she instead thereof, 
Proves now to be Madame von Wichtenstein, 
Bride of the General von Wichtenstein^ 
Commanding Prussian troops in Austria. 

Rolf — Well, what of that? is she not merry still? 
Good company for such young lads as you. 
What say you now? 

Victor — Oh, truly she is, Rolf. 

Rolf— Covae with me to the bright salon and see 
Me play roulette and rouge et noir; or try 
Your fortune, my fair boy, yourself. 

Victor - Go on; 

I will not play, lest fortune I possess 
Shall waste away. 

Rolf — You mean the legacy? 

Victor — Ah! truly, even such an one as I 
Can boast, 'tis small; but were it larger still 



43 
By tens of thousands, I should never risk 
One pound upon the gambler's treach'rous doth. 

\They enter salon.'\ 
Rolf—\ thank my stars that I no scruple have 
So foolish and absurd. Now see me win. 

\Rolf places several gold pieces on cloth and 
wins several times. ^ 
You see how fortune favors me. 

Victor — Nay! nay! 

The devil only coaxes you along. 

Rolf^T\i^ devil, do you say? a clever soul 
To let me win in this delightful way. 

Victor — There! look at him, who loses as you win; 
Sad, worn, dejected; on his face despair 
Broods like grim death upon some guilty man, 
Who staring wildly, sees impending woe. 
Eternal justice threat'ning his just dues. 
See! now he turns and rushes madly forth. 
For all is gone; he soon may end his life. 
Rolf—Y'a\\^z^N\ foolish youth, what sentiments are 
these 
For one who's seen the world — 

Victor — Seen but to dread! 

I shall the rash man stop. [ Turns to stranger., %aho 

is hzirrying away.] Stay! stranger, stay! 
I wish a word with thee. 
Kami^tsky \^Ttirnitig wildly to Victor] — Now. 

All is lost ! 
Rolf—Vs\idi\\\ I must leave, so fare thee well. 
Victor — Adieu. 

Stranger, a word with you. \^Exit Rolf.] 

Kaminsky — Well sir, I wait. 

Victor — You've lost at gambling then, this night? 
Kaminsky — Yes, yes. 

Victor— \ hope you do not contemplate some act 
In your despairing mood you will regret. 

Kaminsky — Why should I live? tortured and 
racked my brain! 
All's lost! fortune and friends! my country's foe! 
Victor — Why so? Whence art thou, then? 
Kaminsky — Russia my home; 



44 

Reared in her frigid clime; more frigid still 
Her laws, despotic, and unjust. Why, sir, 
A princely fortune I did once possess. 
Landed estates, and houses, money, plate; 
In one brief hour all these were swept away. 
I, to escape eternal winter's reign 
In cold Siberia, have fled with naught 
To keep me in a strange, unfriendly land. 

Victor — Why didst thou fly, or lose thy princely 
wealth 
In Russia's northern realm? 

Kaminsky — In business 

We must compete with the nobility, you know; 
They form the laws, these undermine our trade; 
They thus enrich themselves by knowing first 
The order things will take. A law is passed, 
Severe and arbitrary; 'tis not known 
By all at once, but this, if heeded not. 
Brings down the sword of Russian justice 
Upon the merchant; forfeited his goods 
Are to the crown; his trade another gains, 
Linked in with noblemen, while he must fly 
Or be transported to Siberian mines. 

Victor — Caligula thus published out of sight his 
laws. 
How conscienceless such men! 

Kaminsky — Yes, barbarous! 

And barbarous the Russian government; 
Its policy from a barbaric age 
Is formed; Caesar to Czar is changed, and Rome 
With her fierce legions in St. Petersburg 
And Moscow will again appear ; from thence 
Start out for conquests fresh, and vast domain; 
Cohorts in legions 'round the polar throne 
Are gathering each day, training for war; 
Soon the command of the proud Czar will be — 
"Forward! First south, then to the Orient!" 
Sprinkled the crescent then will be with blood; 
The clamor of resounding arms will sound 
Where rest the Patriarchs, and Jesus wept 
Over a lost, ungrateful, darkened world. 
Peace will be driven, then, from earth once more; 
Surrounding planets gaze upon the earth 



45 
Blood-stained and belching forth hot fire, 
Awe stricken, and with silent horror dumb. 
Empire, dominion, power the Czar will have; 
Fall back, ye Mussulmans, or else fall down 
And yield to modern Caesar's will! 

Victor— But, sir. 

The Turks have Christians persecuted, killed; 
This Russia's Czar, the head of the Greek Church, 
Assumes the right to stop, by armed force, 
Raised up, he'll say by Providence to guard 
The Christian Church in Turkey's broad domain. 

K'aminsky—Th.x?, the pretext — behind which Rus- 
sia's plans, 
Formed by the Czar and the nobility, will move 
To their completion; the color of right 
Thus given to designs of conquest bold — 
But what care I for this who have lost all? 
No home or country, money, friends, or hope! 

Victor — Would'st thou, my friend, go to America 
If 'twere within your pow'r, and there again 
Try fortune to regain? 

Kaviinsky — America! 

Hope you inspire once more within my breast! 
To me that land a port of rest hath seemed 
For the oppressed of every state enthralled 
By monarchs stern, and arbitrary rule; 
Yet, what shall I do there? how travel hence? 

Victor — I shall obtain the means; Sir, Rolf assist; 
Leave that to me; we shall the Consul see; 
Letters obtain to men well known to us, 
Who will extend a welcome hand to you. 
'Twere well we see him at his office soon; 
Your name and occupation I must know. 

A'amins^y— Surely, kind sir, Kaminsky, sir, my 
name; 
My occupation of late years has been 
Exchange of staple products of our land 
For those of England, France and Germany; 
Saltpeter one, the rock on which I wrecked 
My fortune and my name. 

Victor — Saltpeter, sir? 

How so? 



46 

Kaminsky — It was made contraband of war 
Two days ago. My ships, then freighted, seized 
With all my other goods, my lands, and all. 
I, by no fault of mine, have thus lost all. 
I have a friend, a writer for the stage, 
Comic and tragical his plays, who speaks • 
English with ease; he to America 
Desires to go; banished he too and free; 
He hath some means. 

Victor — A dramatist, you say? 

I shall give him then letters to the Times^ 
Dramatic critic, and the Tribune'' s too, 
Chicago's morning papers widely read; 
A princely start they, sir, your friend can give 
By saying a few words of praise for him. 
And if they cut at all, they then may spare, 
And cut him lightly with their master pens. 
For critics earn their bread by picking flaws; 
Hence, they might ruin him with their cute saws. 



ACT IV.— TABLEAU IX. 

SCENE— Dense forest near Ems on Lahn. Thnnderetorm 
approaching. Cave in mountain on right. Enter Raphael 
with harp. 

Raphael — The earth, dependent on the will of God 
Sovereign Supreme of all the universe. 
Moves unimpeded in its circling course. 
And o'er its rugged surface sweep the winds 
Unbridled in their fierce unruly flight ; 
While in the skies o'erhead black clouds collect. 
And clashing as they roll, electric fires 
Flash with untiring energy therefrom. 
The sound of deep-toned thunder then is heard. 
That follows soon with slower pace than light; 
Commotion grand in air and ocean reigns, 
And rock-bound coasts of ocean stay the floods 
Of mountain waves which lash the sides of earth. 
The air and water, leaving, torn with wrath, 



47 

And seeking rest of nature 'mid the rocks 

Piled in gigantic heaps along the plains. 

We find them marr'd by subterranean fires, 

Which, bursting through, hurl rocks and lava forth; 

The earth they shake with their internal force. 

Anon God breathes upon the troubled scene 

And silence rests among the elements ; 

His glowing sun dispenses light and warmth, 

And verdure ripens in its genial rays; 

The landscape seems to smile with joy and life. 

And winds and waters cease their noisy strife. 

[ExiL] 

ENTER VICTOR. 

Victor — Within this tangled forest, hedged about 
By rugged rocks upheaved from depths profound. 
Where moaning winds and dark o'erhanging clouds 
The landscape all enshroud with dreary gloom — 
Near by this silent stream that gurgles on, 
I stand, while driving winds rush by me fast. 
Dark are the thoughts that sweep across my mind, 
They darker than these clouds surcharged with rain, 
My passions lead me headlong to obey. 
While conscience holds my troubled soul in check. 
Her love and beauty now upon me call, 
To meet her in her hospitable home. 
She bids me leave behind this lonely life, 
There with her pleasure, love and joy to find. 
Oh, fair young Rosa, one your love now claims. 
Before your God you vowed him e'er to love. 
Yes, she is his; her love for me is vain. 
And vain for me her love to seek or wish; 
Avaunt! wrong thoughts, which lead me to desire 
That he might die in battle's fi'ry whirl. 
And thus enable me her yet to gain, 
With all her youth and beauty, I, like Cain, 
Would wander, with a mark upon my brow, 
And bear the curse that seems to haunt me here; 
Victoria's image rises in my soul, 
Back of those clouds, her star e'en now doth shine. 
Ill-omened hour when Rosa and I met 
At Ems on Lahn. Hear now the driving wind ! 
The livid lightnings rend the threatening sky. 
The howling tempest rushes madly past; 
The blackened clouds collect, the thunders roll, 



48 

All nature frowns! naught, naught doth me console. 

Quickly I fly for shelter to this cave; 

I here can save myself from drenching rains. 

Hark! the thunder-clap! See! the lightning's flash! 

To earth, with crackling sound, a tree doth fall; 

See, like a serpent, with a fearful bound 

Leaps the electric fluid past the cave; 

Darkness of midnight settles in its train; 

Till pierced again by serpents' fiery tongues. 

[A wild boar springs into the cave^ 
A tusky boar springs at me from the night; 
It leaps upon me in its savage strength. 
I have no weapon but my fearless will; 
But with a nerve of steel the beast I'll slay. 

\Seizes the boar by its jaws and rends them 
apart. '\ 
I've seized its jaws, and torn them wide apart; 
Thus Samson with his strength the lion slew, 
And David after him before he killed 
Goliah, as he felt his God had willed. 
Within my grasp the strangled boar expires. 

\A panther leaps into cave!\ 
What! here's a panther, come with nimble step 
To meet me in this cavern, face to face. 
He who hath slain one foe is nerved to fight 
Another one, and put to flight or kill. 

\yictor hurls dead boar at panther. '\ 
The mangled boar against the beast I've hurled, 
See, lightning flashes light the darkness 'round, 
And crouched upon the ground the panther lies. 
I'll strike the wounded creature with this stone 
Of sharp and ragged sides until it dies. 

\Strikes panther with sharp stones until it dies.'\ 
\A fawn comes into the cave!S^ 
Now comes a fawn that must have known this cave, 
Which fleet of foot hath flown for shelter here. 
The young and tender deer I shall detain. 
With winning words I shall dispel its fear. 
Come hither, little fawn with silv'ry feet 
Which carry thee o'er forests light and fleet; 
Come hither, let me guard them from all harm. 
Let me caress thee with my nervous arm. 

\yictor plays with J awn ^ 



49 

The hours move slowly, but the darkened night 

Is driven back before the glowing sun. 

Which bursting through the mists its rays are cast 

With luster o'er the clouds that haste away, 

I now go forth to meet the gladd'ning dawn, 

And lead from out the cave the loving fawn. 

[Victor sees Raphael playing on harp.'\ 
Why, there! it is my friend, the bard, I see 
Playing his well-tuned harp; a hymn he sings; 
The sweet refrain through vale and woodland rings, 
Raphael — {Flays harp and sings:'] 

Awake! Awake! 
The magic lyre. 
Of all creation's beauty take; 
And sweep its strings 
Until it rings, 
And sets to music heaven's fire. 

The rolling earth, 
From hour to hour. 
Around its orbit speeds with mirth. 
And planets bound. 
With joyous sound. 
Rejoicing all in sun's bright power. 

The dazzling sun 
Moves ever on, 
The planets journey with the sun 
A brilliant star, 
'Mong suns afar. 
His orbit 'round bright Alcyone, 

Victor — Happy am I to meet my aged fiiend, 
Who e'er in trouble can my spirits cheer. 
The night hath been a fearful one for me. 
And I am glad to greet thee and the morn. 
All unawares, I fear, I'll stray away, 
Urged by my passion and the world's aftairs, 
From paths so plainly marked for me in youth. 
By those now come to save my soul from death. 
Withheld from wrong by the tempestuous night, 
I slew two beasts and kept from flight this fawn. 

Raphael — Son of this earth, who doth in me e'er 
trust. 



50 

For you, for all, the Lord was crucified; 

Turn to that Savior, He alone can cure 

A soul oppressed, and give thee lasting peace. 

The night just passed your passions have portrayed, 

This brilliant morn bespeaks Christ's beaming light, 

From which sin's stormy night e'er hastes away; 

Symbolical of vanquished sins, my son. 

Those beasts which you have bravely overcome; 

The fawn illustrates innocence retained; 

A darkened soul is like that cave of gloom. 

Victor — Thus nature hath myself to me betrayed, 

Raphael — Now heed my words, young man, and 
thou canst live, 
Free from the care all sins are sure to cause. 
Here seat thee, on this bold and rugged rock, 
Within the view of yonder castle walls. 
Whence we can view the river's winding course. 

Victor — Thy amiable talk doth please me well. 
Sir, new-made friends of speech and manner fair, 
With their seductive ways and songs and mirth 
Me oft bewilder, and I fear to join 
Their pleasures vain, and troubles then do rise 
Around my path. 

Raphael — The heavens above with clouds 

Are often black, and vivid lightning rends 
The curtains huge of deep and vapory mist 
Which shut the starry heavens out; the sky 
Appcareth like a troubled mind, and strives 
This incubus to throw aside; beyond. 
Behind it, are the peaceful heavens still, 
Sparkling with light, with beauty and repose; 
Thus back of all our temporary griefs 
Remain the heavens calm of quietude 
To reappear to lives of those whose souls 
Are still at peace with nature and her God, 
Believing in His Son now glorified. 

Victor — Yea, my dear triend, I understand it well. 

Raphael — Not fully sin's effects the body feels, 
Its taints the character far better shows. 
Fear most its vile effects upon the soul 
That doth control all actions of one's life. 

Victor — How can these blots be then expunged 
Men's lives becloud? [that thus 



51 

Raphael — Christ can efface them all; 

The soul redeemed, the body keeps from vice; 
The body free, which Christian soul enfolds, 
From those effects that sin is sure to cause. 

V,\ctor — But if man wilfully defies God's laws. 
Can he be saved? 

Raphael — God's mercy boundless is; 

Piut man, beware! who violates God's laws, 
And with defiant hand attempts to thwart 
Eternal justice, and repenteth not; 
Blame never God, all mercy and all love. 
For what results. If from some dizzy height 
One leaps, expecting to alight all safe. 
In spite of the attractive power of earth, 
That hope is vain; nor is less vain his hope 
Who wilfully God's moral law defies; 
Or seeks revenge by taking human lives. 
Or gains his riches e'er through theft and fraud. 
Or passion follows with unbridled will; 
To laws immutable he soon must yield. 
As the dark night is made to scatter e'er 
As earth moves 'round and meets the sun's bright 
rays. 

Victor— (Z2^\ man compel the soul to cease from 
sin 
And commune with its God? 

Raphael — Who seeks the Lord 

Will find Him e'er as He hath said; this try; 
Then will the soul more perfect e'er become. 
Eternal life belongeth to the soul; 
The earth is not its only home or sphere; 
Upon a little isle begins our race, 
A sea of boundless space on every side; 
Labor supreme demands the soul's high powers, 
From earth to heaven the godlike genius towers. 

Victor — Are men, then, free to act their will and 
thoughts? 

Raphael — Free, but God's changeless laws sur- 
round them still, 
And will overtake them when they least expect; 
It matters not their sect, or power, or age. 

Victor — Did God's unbending laws o'ertake the 
Jews, 
Who Pilate's plea for Jesus would not heed. 



52 

But in the name of justice crucified 
The Innocent? 

Raphael — God heard His Son's last prayer, 

"Father fori^ive, they know not what they do." 
The mercy purchased by that sacrifice 
The penalty hath paid of broken laws, 

Victor — But man must still repent? 

Raphael — Yea, truly so; 

The crucifixion of the Savior, sent 
From God Himself, was cause for wrath divine, 
Which God withheld for reasons wise and good; 
A flashing comet speeding toward the sun 
To atoms could have dashed unrighteous earth, 
To common ruin all its people hurled, ^ 

Or fires internal burst in fury forth; 
The sin-bedarkened world thus wrapt in flames, 
Or sun, with scorching rays and quickened heat, 
Dispersed all life and moisture in its blaze, 
And left this planet barren like the moon. 
Instead thereof, Christ left the precious gift 
Of free salvation to a dying race. 



ACT IV— TABLEAU X. 

SCENE— A building on the Neckar, a hliort distance from 
Heidelberg, used for dueling. Long room with sawdust on 
the floor. Swords, boxing-gloves, masks, and different in- 
struments used in dueling by students hang upon the wall 
and lie on the floor. Keg of beer and mugs. Bandages, sur- 
gical instruments, &c., scattered about. 

TIME— Evening. 

[Enter Rolf and Richard in haste, who throw 
themselves quickly into position and comtiience 
fighting with swords. 

Richard— 1 shall wait for no seconds! My blood is 
up, and calls for revenge! You treacherous villain! 
abuser of confidence! knave! you diabolical com- 
bination of rascality and deviltry! She told me all, 
and tells me I im no man; have no regard for her 
honor if I do not avenge the insult you have given 
her! 



53 

Rolf — Pshaw! Fool, and empty-headed simple- 
ton! to get your blood up and risk spilling it for that 
shrew who is known, where known at all, well 
enough to be let alone. {^Richard strikes at him. ] 
Hold, there, or I will spill your blood. 

Richard — Sir, her honor is in question, and I cau- 
tion you to add no further insult by your scurrilous 
words. I am the champion of this woman's honor, 
and shall defend it to the last. 

\Goes at Rolf with renewed energy. \ 

Rolf — Defend it to the last. Her honor is already 
a thing of the past. [They fight in earnest.'^ 

Enter an old man. who takes care oj hall. 

Old Man — At it they go; right and left, up and 

down, 
Parry here, parry there; swords are crossed, and they 

halt; 
Again the swords fly right, left, up and down; 
Parry here, parry there, and quick they pass. 
Hist! ho! a cut! see there! the blood doth flow! 
Who's victor? Rolf, who's cut flesh first, by Jove! 
Come! seconds interpose! and doctor dress the 

wounds! 
Honor's vindicated; and a face chipped! 

Enter Victor and students. 

Victor — Why, my good sirs, could you not wait 
for your seconds? Why this haste? 

Rolf—0, this fellow, who has been living of late 
in the fool's paradise now imagines Satan has en- 
tered it, and tempted into forbidden paths his fair 
Eve. 

Richard — Give me my sword, I shall at him again! 

Victor and others — Hold ! Richard, you have 
fought enough. We wish this quarrel settled with- 
out further bloodshed. See! you are bleeding pro- 
fusely. 

Rolf— I have no desire to continue it longer: T 
prefer peace and pleasure to strife and barren, sense- 
less troul)le, such as the ignorant and foolish bring 
upon themselves. 

Richard — He hath insulted an honorable and fair 



54 

lady who hath made me the champion and avengei 
of the indignity heaped upon her by this false- 
hearted rascal. 

Rolf — O, my noble chevalier ! show her your 
wounds; they cannot but satisfy her strong desire 
to have you avenge her injuries. 

Richard— Give, me my sword; I shall at him again. 

Victor and others — Hold, Richard, hold! let us 
settle this controversy. Rolf, desist, and let us have 
no further cause for strife. 

Rolf — Here, Richard, I extend my hand to you 
in token of my desire to settle this difficulty as our 
friejids desire. 

Richard — But her honor! her honor has not been 
vindicated. Sir, retract your assaults -upon her fair 
name. 

Rolf Fool! she has no honor left; I tell you, 
simpleton , that is something counted with the 
things of the past with which we have no special 
interest — we high-minded, unexceptionable gentle- 
men. Rosa, known as the Princess Rosa Von Wich- 
tenstein, is beautiful, as, Victor, you well know, al- 
though you escaped the plot laid for you into which 
Richard has fallen; but her name and character only 
a fascinated simpleton would defend. 

Victor — What ! Rosa Von Wichtenstein ? Great 
heavens ! 

Richard — Am I compelled to hear these scan- 
dalous assertions reiterated, and be deprived of the 
privilege of satisfying this assault upon the integrity 
of this fair lady in accordance with the code of 
honor? Who has a copy of that code of which I 
have heard so much? 

Rolf Ah! sir, 1 have one; in fact, I am the au- 
thor of the most recent revision of the "Gentlemen's 
Code of Honor." I shall have my servant bring 
you a copy with the author's compliments. 

Richard — Can you state some of the rules of this 
code? 

Rolf — Surely, sir. The first rule is stated thus, viz. : 
No gentleman shall allow his own or his lady's honor 
to be assaulted without challenging the offender, and 
obtaining an honorable vindication of the injury — 



55 

Richard — That is just what I thought; but how is 
he to gain this vindication if he gets beaten by the 
other fellow? That is the point at issue at the pres- 
ent moment. 

Rolf — Ah! I hold that in this particular case there 
was no valid ground for a challenge; that the assumed 
fact, to-wit. : that the lady's honor was assaulted, 
did not exist. 

Richard — Give me my sword. I must fight this 
villain. 

Several— 'iHoldi, Richard, hold! Let us settle this 
difficulty between you, gentlemen. 

Rolf — Ah! excuse me, sirs; I meant no offense 
either to you or the lady's honor. 

Richard — Why, sir, even now in plain language 
you assailed her honor again. 

Rolf — Ila! ha! ha! Why, sir, how could this be 
•when her hgnor ceased to be a thing capable of 
being assaulted years ago? Had I said what I have 
said five years ago, you may have had a good cause 
for your challenge. 

Richard — Well, sir; suppose that under those cir- 
cumstances, I had fought you and had been severely 
wounded, but not killed, in the duel, then, what? 
where would the vindication come in? 

Rolf—0\\\ that's the question we must answer in 
our next edition, revised and corrected by Richard 
LaForce, the champion duelist and the valiant Don 
Quixote of the present century. 

\Torchlight procession passes, and all tvalk to 
the door of hall. Students dressed with high 
boots, rvhite pants, blue coats, and small hats 
with various colored bands on them indicating 
the different clubs. '\ 

Students — 

" Gaudeamus igitur, 

Juvens dum sumus ; 

Postjocundam juventutem, 

Post molestam senectutem, 

. Nos habebit humus. 

*'Ubi sunt, qui ante nos 
In mundo fuere ? 



56 

Transeas ad superos, 
Abeas ad inferos, 

Quos si vis videre. 

*' Vita nostra brevis est, 

Brevi finietur, 
Venit mors velociter, 
Rapit nos atrociter 

Nenriini parcetur. 

** Vena academia, 

Vivant professores, 
Vivat membrum quodlibet, 
Vivant membra quaelibet, 

Semper sint in flore. 

" Vivant omnes virgines 

Faciles, formosse ! 
Vivant et mulieres, 
Teneree, amabiles, 

Eonae, laboriosDe. 

" Vivat et respublica, 
Et qui illam regit, 
Vivat nostra civitas, 
Msecenatum caritas, 

Quae nos hie protegit. 

" Pereat tristitia, 

Pereant osores, 
Pereat diabolus, 
Quivis antiburschius, 

Atque irrisores 1" 

[A/ier the procession has passed by, Victor, 
alone, leaves the hall, the doors of zvhich are 
closed, thus ending the scene. Victor walks 
to the left of stage, where the banks of the 
Neckar appear in sight, and back from it is 
a graveyard, with tombstones and graves. 
Victor — How lovely now the scene around ap- 
pears ! 
The Neckar, with its hills and gentle flow, 
Yon castle mounted on the verdant slope 
To ruins crumbling 'neath the hand of time ; 
Gay Heidelberg, resounding, as thou dost 
So often, with the students' merry laugh ; 



57 

Their caps of red, or white, or blue make known 
The order of their kneipes, or students' clubs ; 
Loud is the song of youths in joyous strains — 
I^atin or German songs, which fill the air ; 
And gaily sparkle in the evening dusk 
The torches, while the music of the band 
Fills the hushed air with melody of sound. 
Assembled they are now to honor thus. 
With long procession, torch, and band, and song, 
Some learned professor with their marked esteem. 
Invet'rate fencers these same students are. 
With swords, and dressed in style of ancient knights, 
And wearing buckskin in the place of steel, 
They meet to practice in the fencing hall ; 
Here masks are worn — 'tis exercise and sport ; 
But when they thus have learned the art of war 
They needs must rush into the heat of fight. 
And, at the slightest cause, they take offense ; 
A challenge then is rent -the clubs convene — 
Seconds are chosen by the friends of each — 
Arranged the duel to adjust all wrongs. 
At early morn they leave the corp'rate bounds, 
Antagonists and seconds, with their friends — 
Police belong in town, and cannot interfere — 
Swords for two ; coffee for six. No masks now ! 
With iron specs, and their wrists protected, 
With faces bare, the conflict soon begins. 
This duel stirred up by wild Rolf DeMonde 
Proved but a farce. Poor Richard was his dupe ! 
And fought it was, at evening place of morn. 

[Enter a bright ethereal figure dressed in white, 
representing Memory.'^ 
O Memory ! thou never-wearied friend ! 
Companion sweet of youth, and follower 
In all my solitary walks. Advance. 
Art thou immortal, and constructed thus. 
That thou dost live forevermore with man, 
Lending thine aid to his bright intellect ? 
O, thou divinity ! in spotless robes. 
Purer than light ! naught can obliterate 
Thy image grand, sublime, and like a god ; 
Thou dost delight and torment human souls ! 
Come, whisper music of the past to me. 
Tell not its woes unless I thee command ; 



58 

Now thou appearest as the midnight star, 
Which shineth brilliantly upon me oft ; 
Thy face resplendent shines with glowing light, 
As perfect as the universe thy form. 
Commence thy song — 

Memory, singing — 

Youth of the hazel locks! 

Far o'er the sea we've been, 
Often the lonely rocks 

And the lone shores we've seen. 

Watched the bright rivers, too, 
Sweeping through vajleys green, 

Beauteous in spring to view, 
Ever we've happy been; 

Listened to music sweet ; 

Watched the bright sun at dawn ; 
Seen the white clouds retreat 

Over great cities gone. 

Bounding o'er ocean wild, 
Viewing the storm around ; 

On the deep rivers mild 
Joy we have found. 

Victor -^ow cease thy cherished song, O Mem- 
ory ; 
Let me reflect in undisturbed repose, 
Conjecturing what future days will bring. 

S^Spirit vanishes. '\ 
And now I reach, in my lone rambles here, 
A silent graveyard ! and around behold 
The tombs of many princes, lords and dukes ! 

Ye slumb'ring men, when ye shall wake 
Beneath the earth's tremendous quake, 
And stand before the Judgment Bar — 
Then shall your God divide you far. 

Some then shall wonder at His will. 
And linger in amazement still, 
When He shall thunder loud, " Depart, 
Ye unredeemed and vile of heart !" 



59 

And when the good He'll gently raise 
Up to His bosom, they will praise, 
And loudly sing, and chant His name, 
While angels join and shout the same ! 

ENTER RICHARD. 

Richard, talkmg to himself — I shall have satisfac- 
tion ! Her honor shall be vindicated ! 1 should like 
to see, by Jove, that Code of Honor Rolf has. That 
Rolf is a regular devil anyhow ! always getting me 
into scrapes, and then ridiculing me. I'll fix him 
yet ! I'll — I'll— O, see ! here's a graveyard ! Don't 
fancy graveyards at night! What's that yonder? 
'Tis an animated wandering ghost ! Deuce ! which 
way shall I turn ? 

[Enter Rolf enveloped in a long white gown, 
and eyes sparkling like coals of fire.'\ 
Rolf, in a sepulchral voice — 

Spirits of dead men are moving, moving ; 
In the mystic night they're roving, roving ; 
They'd clamber to the skies if able, able ; 
All my spirits I do label, label ; 
Here is one approaching. Hold, there ! hold, 
there ! \_Seizes Richard. \ 

Richard — I am no spirit. 

Rolf — You ? take care, take care. 

Victor, walking up to Richard and Rolf— 
I say, Rolf, take off that mask and sheet, and let 
poor Richard alone. 



6o 

ACT v.— TABLEAU XL 

SCENE— Washington, D. C. An elegantly-furnished 
chamber lighted by elaborate chandeliers . Full-size paint- 
ing of a United States officer in uniform on wall. Large 
marble-top rosewood bureau, and fine mirror on one side. 
Victoria, dressed for ball, standing in front of it, arranging 
pearls in her hair . Windows hung with lace curtains . Floor 
covered with heavy Brussels carpet; all furniture very elab- 
orate . 

VICTORIA (solus). 

Victoria — A dread suspicion troubles now my 
mind ! 
Sir Rolf De Monde from Victor brings this note, 
That's written in his bold and well-known hand. 
I feel uneasy when this friend is near 
Of my loved Victor ! still I know not why — 
A foreigner of fine address is he ; 
I promised to attend with him the ball. 

\^Ttir7is to painting. '\ 
O my brave father, would that thou still lived ! 
Too noble thou, and kind, to die so young ! 
Oh, cruel war, that tore thee from my side, 
And laid thee cold and dumb within the tomb. 
A year has past ! my heart yearns for thf e still ; 
Now I will read aloud those lines again. 
That thou composed o'er me when but a babe. 

\^Takes tip a woi-n paper, kisses it, and reads:] 

TO MY INFANT DAUGHTER, VICTORIA. 

Sleep, gentle infant, in thy tiny couch ; 

Thy breath alone breaks now the silence 'round, 

While over thee sweet slumber softly steals, 

And pleasant dreams bring smiles upon thy lips. 

The Sabbath hours are passing noiselessly, 

And nature sinks into a gentle calm. 

As if a winged angel glided past 

And hushed the place with holy influence. 

Sweet infant, beautiful and fair art thou. 

With thy broad brow, those blushing velvet cheeks, 

And silken tresses that adorn thy head ! 

Now, in thy peaceful home, all joy and love, 

Naught from the troubled world disturbs thee yet ! 

And as thy days glide smoothly on their way. 

Fond joys and merry thoughts begirt thee 'round, 

And what shall, then, thy future be, sweet one ? 

Cannot an angel thy fond father tell ? 



6i 

Be happy, good and pure, fair daughter mine ; 

Let heavenly graces dwell around thy brow, 

And virtue dignify thy daily life. 

And give thee power to nobly act thy part 

In the great drama of our earth's career. 

Walk stately through the world, and stoop to none, 

Unless to thy Creator God above. 

Be not a slave to weak and vain desires, 

Nor fancy 'tis but riches gives one powei\ 

Rise, through the force of mental might and will, 

By noble deeds and charitable acts, 

And hurl to infamy and public shame 

Who e'er attempts to lure thy guileless feet 

Away from rectitude and virtue's path ; 

The serpent vile crush in his loathsome track, 

And pass unharmed away with scornful step. 

Why were these words of warning to me given ? 

[ Takes s?Jiail stiver mounted pistol from bureau 
and conceals it in belt.'\ 

I'll place my father's pistol in my belt — 

'Tis small, 'twill not be seen, its use he taught. 

I'll take this armed fan he gave to me. 

I know not why these fears; Thou dost, O God! 



ACT v.— TABLEAU XII. 

Scene— Washington. War of Rebellion in progress. On 
right-hand side steps leading to the Capitol ; the figure of 
Liberty shown on dome of Capitol. Victor and Raphael 
stand on upper steps of the Capiiol building in foreground 
Several soldiers in front on guard. 

Victor — How changed the scene in this, my na- 
tive land, 
Frcto what it was when I sailed from its shores 
Tp seek for ancient lore in distant climes ! 
'T'is naught but turmoil, fire, and vengeful war ! 
direful day ! O mournful sight, indeed ! 
This land is moistened now with crimson dew ! 
This mighty nation rends itself in twain — 



62 

Yet strife and bloodshed seem a needless thing ! 
Why this great change, these dark and warlike 

clouds 
Which hover in the air, enshrouding all in gloom ? 
Where is the peaceful land I left behind ? 
I walk its streets : its former joys are fled. 
The gay and happy scenes of yore 
Have changed to fratricidal contests fierce. 
'Tis but a day since I a mournful ode 
Sang o'er a youth who once with me did roam 
In distant climes where joy filled every day, 
And brilliant prospects beckoned him along : 

He, too, is gone, the young, the gallant brave — 
Gone to a heaven of rest — laid in a hero's grave ! 
The cannon's roar no more will wake his rest, 
Nor patriot fires bestir his manly breast. 
Alone he lies, wrapt in his warrior robes, 
The passing wind a requiem o'er him blows. 

Still is the night ! the bustling hosts are gone, 
And quiet reigns triumphant here alone ; 
Fond Memory, in spotless robes beclad, 
Seats her before me with a visage sad. 
She tells his virtues, marks his gifted mind, 
Shows how he honored God and served man — 

kind ; 
And tells how like a free-born soul he moved 
As well abroad as in the land he loved. 

But he is gone, who, with a master hand. 
Led bravely on his valiant Northern band — 
Led on to conquer, or in blood to die ; 
Disdaining e'er to turn, disdained to fly ! 
Ah, yes, he's gone ! His spirit's upward flight 
Stopped not till entering heaven's celestial 

height ; 
Stopped not till seated 'mong thathonor^id band 
Who fought on earth to save their native land. 

Raphael— V>os\. thou, wide wanderer returning 
home. 
View now, with grief, this tott'ring nation's woe;? 
Be not dismayed ; the future bright shall dawn, 
Fair Freedom's star shall beam from out this gloom , 
Reflecting then upon these warlike days. 
Within a few years' time thou well canst say, 



63 

Heard, gracious God, the prayer I breathed to 

Thee ; 
Stayed is the conflict, dried the bloody sea ; 
While sounds of clashing arms are heard no 

more. 
And peace triumphant reigns from shore to 

shore, 
While one proud banner floats upon the breeze 
From southern gulf to northern glittering seas. 
Thou, God, hast made our people truly one, 
And they strive now for unity alone ; 
Hushed the mad ocean, stayed the thunder 

clouds, 
And saved our people from those bloody shrouds; 
Restored the nation's mind to peace and rest, 
And calmed the turmoil that once stirred its 

breast ; 
Our rescued ship floats safely in her path, 
With heavens serene, and ocean void of wrath. 

Far from those lands which regal scepters rule, 

Exalted virtues, through the help of God, 

Laid deep foundations for a future state 

Where Freedom and not monarchs e'er shall reign ! 

This new-found world became the favored land, 

And pilgrim bands flocked to its rock-bound shores, 

Fleeing across the main to find a home 

Where free from persecution they could live 

And worship unrestrained, as conscience taught, 

God, all omnipotent. Whose praise they sang. 

The Mayflower brought some to this Avestern world 

Who here unfurled the banner of the Lord. 

Time fled ; and varied peoples filled the land. 

And, from them, God a mighty nation wrought, 

Which, shaking from its limbs all tyrants' chains, 

Soon reared the government the people wished ; 

Then, as the nation issued from the war 

For independence all victorious. 

It grasped all means to hold the treasure bought 

With precious blood; and called forth Washington, 

And placed him in the presidential chair ; 

He— unlike one who grasped a gilded crown 

/That he might gain a regal throne and name, 

A forced divorce obtaining from his wife 

That he might thus procure a kingly heir, 



64 

But died imprisoned through the hatred shown 
By haughty England and the lands he'd fought, 
And banished from the throne he wrongly craved — 
Proved loyal to his loved and honored spouse, 
His country's freedom and its infant life. 
Think not that God will now this land forsake, 
Still in its prime ; His will shall soon recall 
Its erring children, baffle all their aims, 
Raise up the slave, and shatter galling chains. 

Victor— The glory of our country's father cast 
A halo o'er the infant child; 'twill shine 
For ages, if the child withholds to dim 
Its brightness, beaming forth from Freedom's shrine. 
The child should add fresh luster to the flame. 
Enrolling heroes on the scroll of fame. 

Raphael — Before us stretches now the Capital ! 
The scene behold ! star-lit and shadowy — 
Magnificent in distances, 'tis true — 
The public buildings with their porticos ; 
The noble Capitol, on towering dome 
Exalting Liberty to guard her home ! 
There, at the end of this long avenue, 
Within the White House walks the President: 
The cares of state weigh heavy on his mind — 
Within his throbbing, troubled, wearied brain 
Contending forces seem to meet and fight ; 
Brothers 'gainst brothers war and sink in blood. 
May God grant Lincoln wisdom, strength and life 
To rule this nation, calm this civil strife ! 
Up yonder, Victor,in those realms above. 
Extend the heavens, ruled by God through love. 
As is this city to the earth entire, 
Or this grand Capitol that all admire. 
Thus earth to heaven doth in size compare. 
Whose vast proportions join with beauties rare ; 
Its porticos and halls and domes sublime 
Extend throughout that ever-blessed clime ; 
Within, without, their dazzling grandeurs shine, 
-And perfect purity with art combine. 
As from all nations flock their peoples here 
To this broad land to gain a freedom dear. 
So there, from every kindred, and each sphere 
Opaque, where dwelleth those who God revere. 



65 

Come spirits freed on new-found wings of light 
And in those mansions find supreme delight. 
There, in those lofty courts supremely blest, 
This land's brave fathers from their labors rest. 
As dazzling stars with glory grandly crowned, 
His throne the valiant heroes gather 'round. 
There shines a glorious Being, pure, serene, 
A mighty God, whose grandeur fills the scene. 
There solar systems move in heavens afar. 
Around His brow — the central dazzling star — 
And angels come and go on missions bound, 
Throughout the mighty universe profound; 
With reverential mien, on lightning wing. 
They all obey the mandates of their king. 

Vicfor^My friend, thy mind a wondrous power 
displays. 
Above this little planet world to tower, 
With my terrestrial hopes and ties and loves, 
1 find it hard with thy bold thoughts to rise. 

Raphael — Beware ! all ye whose souls with sins 
are weighed, 
Yet unforgiven through atonement made; 
Seek e'er to follow in the upward track 
Of the Redeemed, lest ye fall back 
Through lack of faith, as Peter in the sea, 
And find no Lord to save ye as did he ! 

Victor — Yea, 'tis too true ; but my vain thoughts 
will turn 
To her I truly love, who doth abide 
In yonder charming home among the trees. 
I have not seen her face since my return ; 
The hours have fled away so swiftly here 
That 'tis too late to visit her this eve ; 
But, come with me and see her lovely home, 
The way is o'er a road well known to me. 

Raphael ~''T\N\Vi please me well, my dear young 
friend, to view 
The home of one who seems so dear to thee ; 
Who, then, is she who so enthralls your mind. 
That you no room for other thoughts can find ? 

Victor — Victoria — she who gave to me this ring— 
Expects me back from my long wandering. 



66 
ACT v.— TABLEAU XIII. 

SCENE— Handsomely designedgrounds of residence, with 
clumps of trees, walks, etc. Fence and gateway in front. 

\_Raphael and Victoj- enter frojn rights and pass 
through gate.^ 

Victor — Here, in this shady grove in summer's 
bloom, 
Where gentle zephyrs waft sweet flowers' perfume, 
Resides Victoria in her cultured home. 
I shall no longer from her lonely roam, 
Moving at random o'er the varied earth, 
Seeking afar for learning, wealth and mirth — 
Look ! look ! A carriage stops before the gate ! 
See ! she alights with Rolf, that profligate ! 

Raphael — Hush ! Victor, let us stop here unob- 
served ; 
Calm thee, my son, and be not thou unnerved. 

[Victor and Raphael step behind grove of trees. 
Enter on left-hand side Victoria and Rolf 
walking near them arm-in-arm^ but not ob- 
serving them.'\ 

Victoria — Sir Rolf, please tell me what the hour 

of night — 
The time sped swiftly in the brilliant throng 
That filled each spacious room and hall. Naught 

there 
Within the White House showed the pending gloom 
That hangs about our nation like a cloud 
Storai-ridden and surcharged with death and woe. 
How passed the time with thee ? 

Rolf— Could I but find 

Delight when thy rare beauty shone on me, 
As all this night it hath ? The hour is one. 
And thou art here alone, with me, my queen ; 
To win thy love this night I'm strangely led. 

FiV/^rm— Withhold such words ! Your snorting 
horses flew. 
As if with lightning wings, o'er dusty road. 



67 

Well handled by your groom as dark and lithe 
As some black spirit from the evil world ; 
But here we are, all safe at my dear home. 

Rolf — Victoria, hear. Let me me no longer roam 
The earth unheeded in my love for thee ; 
My true devotion thou must surely know. 
\Aside.'\ Can Victor now withhold thee from my 

power 
That comes from yonder star in Graffias 
That in the Scorpion's head doth shine so bright? 
From thence dark passions in my heart are fed. 
\Aloud.'\ Into unwilling ears shall I breathe love 
If willing ears are lent not ? No one hears ; 
Naught sees save those mute, bright star-eyes of 

Night, 
Which pale before thine eyes, which brighter glow. 

Victoria — Audacious man ! Are not mine ears 
mine own ? 
Force bold, unwelcome thoughts within them if ye 

dare I 
Or scale the citadel that I command — 
The soul of a free child of this free soil, 
Proud of her sire, who knew no king but God ! 
This land he fought for, honored, and his grave 
Its sod doth cover, else his flashing eye 
Would this approach defy — unsought, and bold. 

Rolf — Thy father was a hero in the field. 
But thou dost wield far greater pow'r o'er man 
Than e'er could he, for thou doth make a slave 
Of him who craves to win thy matchless love — 
Thou, tyrant sweet, who now holds me enchained. 

Victoria — Slave he no longer who his freedom 
gains. 
Another hath my love. It cannot bind 
Thee longer now when thou my mind doth know. 

Rolf— My bondage to thee thou canst ne'er un- 
bind, 
Although another's love thou fain wouldst choose. 
Although of Victor's love thou wouldst remind. 
If thy ears heed not, then my ardent love 



68 

Assaults thy ruby lips though they reprove ; 

[Attempts to kiss Victoria, who pushes him off.'\ 

Repel me not, my wealth nor power disdain; 
Love's sweetest gifts I hope from thee to gain, 
Then palaces of splendor shall be thine, 
And all that love, gold, talent can combine. 

Victoria — Art thou a knave or demon who doth 
tread 
This fair, green earth in human form well graced ? 
I fear thee not, yet dread thy presence here ; 
I am, sir, fully armed, and well I know 
That oft beneath a polished gentleman 
Is hidden a lost, ruined spirit, like 
The one that shows itself black stained in thee ; 
When of my safety it becomes alarmed 
My fan sends forth two shining blades of steel ; 
See how they glitter in the night ! their points, 
Now feel how keen and sharp ! here in my belt 
A small revolver rests, which dealt out death 
In my brave father's hands when on the field. 
And in his daughter's 'twill make thee, O knave. 
Desist from thy base plans, and thus admit 
That knowledge, courage and material power 
Give women strength before which knaves must 

cower, 
^t?//^— While thy eyes pierce my bold and wicked soul 
And like the eyes of an avenging angel shine, 
Still they a hidden passion's flame do fan 
That doth my love for thee aloud proclaim. 
I cannot raise my hand 'gainst one so grand, 
And here spell-bound to look at thee 1 stand. 

Victoria — Stand thou then there while I go to my 

home ! 
Rolf — Stay ! stay ! Thou must not leave me 
thus ! O stay ! 
Thou shalt not go ! I order thee to stay ! 
Or by yon star, thee, haughty queen, I'll slay ! 

[Rolf drazus bright stiletto from the umbrella 
he is carrying, and pistol frotn his breast 
pocket. Victor springs fro7n clump of trees 
and faces Rolf. ] 



09 

Victor — Hold ! base, false friend, who sought my 

soul to kill, 
But failing, tries his Satan-given power 
On brave Victoria ! Heed my command. 
Thou villain ! Yes, thou sin-stained villain bold ! 
Down on thy knees and plead for pardon at her 

hand ! 

Rolf—'^z.y ! never ! Thou soft, saintly-seeming 
youth ; 
Thou hast no courage, so from danger fly. 
Quick ! sapling, quick ! defend thee, lest my sword 
Ends thy young life ; I shall no peace accord ! 

[ Victor draws stiletto from his cane. They 
fight. Victor disarms Rolf.\ 

Victor — There ; I do spare thy life ; go now in 
peace. 
And may thy evil genius leave thee now, 
And cease to torture Jthee with passions vain. 

{Rolf presents pistol.\ 
Rolf — Thy blood ! thy life ! I do my power re- 
gain. [ Victor draivs pistol. ] 
Victor — If thou dost force me to defend my life, 
And scorn' St to end this strife except through blood, 
I shall not falter thee to slay — 'twill rid 
Earth of a soul in which the devil's hid. 

\They fire. Rolf disappears in smoke and 
confusion. The clock strikes the hour of one.^ 
Victoria — Dear Victor, thou hast killed our 
wicked foe ! 
He hath deceived me and hath wronged thee, too ; 
See ! read this letter, brought, he said, from thee, 
That asks of me to treat him as thy friend. 
Trusted and known. {Hands letter to Victor.'] 

Victor — It is a forgery ! 

Victoria — Come thou to me, from me no more 
to go ! 
Well thou didst come this dark, appalling hour 
Back to thy love to snatch her from his power. 

Victor — My friend and I Were passing this abode, 
And stopped to view it — 

Victoria — Where, then, is thy friend ? 



Victor ' Oh! there ; my guaidian angel he is e'er. 
Why ! whither hath the daring Rolf now tied ? 
I thought to find him dead, or dying here ! 

[Raphael advances. ] 

This, Victoria, is my friend and guide, 
Raphael L'Ange ; this, my friend e'er true, 
Is my Victoria, whom I love well. 

Raphael — Thou seest, children fair, an aged man 
Who hath great wisdom in this earth's affairs. 
Upon this planet two great forces strive 
For mastery : the one as Good is known, 
Producing peace, enduring love and joy; 
The other. Evil, recognized by all, 
Con'upting man and causing strife and woe, 
Unhallowed love, and gilded, empty joys. 
Then death, eternal death ; but ye have shunned 
This Evil, through your will, sustained by God, 
And have held to the Good, awakened fresh 
In man's cold heart by Christ's redeeming power. 
So art thou saved, thus far, my children, saved. 
Thank Him, who dwelleth in the skies and here. 
His spirit everywhere ; thank Christ, "The Son," 
Who gave His life for all who will accept 
Him as their Guide, Redeemer, Friend and Lord. 
That youth, called Rolf, was a lost spirit sent 
From distant hell to ruin souls like yours ; 
Mammon, there known, he blasts all peace and love. 
Ye have escaped his subtle wiles, so live 
Blest VICTORS both, in happiness e'er dwell, 
A lost primeval paradise regain. 
In purity and love on earth now reign. 



Grand Tableau^ representing Epilogue in 
Heaven. 

SCENE— Raphael, Victor and Victoria continue standing 
as in preceding tableau, and the rear of scene suddenly 
opens and discloses view of Heaven, the same as presented 
in opening tableau, but elevated above front part of stage, the 
intermediate space being light blue. Those representing 
angels have golden harps in their hands. Raphael throws 



71 

off his large cloak and human garb, disclosing his real 
angelic nature, as seen in first tableau. He leaves the spjt 
where Victor and Victoria are standing gazing in astonish- 
ment at the scene before them. He rises in the air and moves 
from them toward Heaven, waving his hand. A dark figure, 
representing Mammon, as seen in Prologue, moves angrily 
across one side of stage. » 

Choir of Angels sing — 

Oh, man hath triumphed o'er Satan, rejoice ! 
Oh , blessed is he who obeyeth God's voice ! 
Praise ye the Savior, the Bright Morning Star, 
Who holdeth the gates of Our City ajar ! 

They who do enter partake of the Tree 
Of Life Everlasting ! Come, calleth He; 
Peace on the Earth and good will to all men ! 
Hallelujah! hallelujah! hallelujah! Amen. 



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